Archives for January, 2025

Residents walk through the rubble in the streets, in Al-Balad, Rafah, on January 20, 2025.

Analysis

As it eyes reconstruction role in Gaza, will Turkey remedy ties with Israel?

Turkey wants to increase its role in Gaza during the post-ceasefire process despite uncertainties and geopolitical complexities.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

DEM Party co-chair Tuncer Bakirhan (C) walks with party members and attendees during a rally organized by the pro-Kurdish Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party

PKK leader airs cautious optimism after talks with Turkey's pro-Kurdish party

The Kurdish militant leader expressed hope for a peaceful solution to the country’s 40-year armed conflict after four-hour talks with the pro-Kurdish party.

Sharaa-Bin Farhan

Saudi FM in Syria after landmark visit to Lebanon

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan’s visits to Lebanon and Syria underscore Saudi Arabia’s renewed diplomatic push in the region amid shifting power dynamics.

Mohammadi urged Iranians to report abuses

Iran Nobel winner addresses French parliament while on prison leave

Agence France-Presse

KARIM JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images

Culture

Al-Monitor Doha: Syrian Symphony arrives

Syrian voices bring Doha to life this week with pianist and composer Malek Jandali's Syrian Symphony and singer Assala Nasri’s soulful tunes.

INTERNATIONAL WATERS RED SEA, YEMEN - NOVEMBER 20: This handout screen grab captured from a video shows Yemen's Houthi fighters' takeover of the Galaxy Leader Cargo in the Red Sea coast off Hudaydah, on November 20, 2023 in the Red Sea, Yemen. On Monday, the Houthi movement in Yemen released footage and photos of the Houthi-run coastguard taking over the Israeli-linked Galaxy Leader Vessel in the Red Sea, which had 52 people onboard. Galaxy Leader is owned by Galaxy Maritime Ltd in the Isle of Man and is li

Analysis

How will Trump's terrorist designation of Houthis impact Red Sea attacks?

Oil trade via the Houthi-controlled Bab el-Mandeb strait decreased by 50% after the Yemeni rebels launched maritime attacks, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani looks on during a session as part of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, on Jan. 23, 2025.

WEF: Arab businesses ‘very keen’ to invest in Syria after Assad’s ouster

Syria's new foreign minister, Asaad al-Shibani, attended the World Economic Forum in Switzerland this week, along with over 50 heads of state and hundreds of business moguls.

KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images

Exclusive

Global renewables surge forward despite Trump’s climate reversals, says IRENA chief

Although Gulf countries are still heavily reliant on oil and gas, they are quickly moving toward a greener system, International Renewable Energy Agency head Francesco La Camera told Al-Monitor.

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Layal al-Ekhtiar in a undated photo.

Al Arabiya journalist questioned in Lebanon for interviewing Israeli official

The case of Layal al-Ekhtiar, who interviewed Israel's Arabic-language military spokesman last year as the Gaza war raged, has divided Lebanese political opinion.

Under Assad, Syria was under heavy economic sanctions and mired in seemingly endless crisi

Syria's economy reborn after being freed from Assad

Agence France-Presse

Khan said Afghan women and girls were facing 'an unprecedented, unconscionable and ongoing persecution by the Taliban'

ICC prosecutor seeks arrest of Taliban leaders over persecution of women

Agence France-Presse

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman held a phone call with new US President Donald Trump

Saudi crown prince promises Trump $600 bn trade, investment boost

Agence France-Presse

Israel has launched a major operation in the Jenin area

Palestinian official says hundreds leave Jenin as Israel presses raid

Agence France-Presse

The first Turkish Airlines flight in 13 years lands in the the Syrian capital Damascus on Thursday.

First Turkish Airlines plane lands in Syria in more than a decade

Agence France-Presse

US President Donald Trump (R) shakes hands with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington, DC, March 20, 2018.

In first Trump call, Saudi crown prince says trade with US could hit $600B

US President Donald Trump spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in his first phone call to a foreign leader after his inauguration on Jan. 20.

Israel has pursued a multi-day, large-scale operation in the West Bank dubbed 'Iron Wall'

Chief US diplomat vows 'unwavering support' for Israel

Agence France-Presse