Archives for February, 2025

Culture

AL-Monitor Riyadh: Sotheby's first ever auction in Saudi Arabia

This week, Sotheby’s will stage its first ever live international auction in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia

Culture

AL-Monitor Doha: Qatar National Sports Day

This week in Doha a series of exciting events awaits, from National Sports Day festivities to AgriteQ 2025’s sustainable agriculture showcase.

Qatar

From Saudi Arabia to Australia and China, world leaders denounce Trump’s plan to 'take over' Gaza

President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about a possible US takeover of Gaza after relocating the Palestinians caused a wave of uproar across the region and the world.

Palestine

Aga Khan, leader of Ismaili Muslims, dies aged 88: foundation

Agence France-Presse

Analysis

Could Trump’s Gaza plan be negotiating tactic for Saudi-Israel deal?

On a visit to the White House, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu surely didn't imagine that President Donald Trump would propose the United States take over responsibility for managing and reconstructing the Gaza Strip.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Iraq's famed 'hunchback' of Mosul rebuilt brick by brick

Agence France-Presse

Syria's Alawites mourn their dead after revenge attacks

Agence France-Presse

Leaders 'should respect' wishes of Palestinians to stay in Gaza: Palestinian UN envoy

Agence France-Presse

Palestinian prisoners sent to Egypt, Turkey as Tunisia declines: What we know

Egypt has taken 79 prisoners freed in the hostage-release and ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, with more expected to be sent to Pakistan and possibly Algeria.

Palestine

Assad-era minister turns himself in to new Syria authorities: statement

Agence France-Presse

Trump says Palestinians would 'love' to leave Gaza

Agence France-Presse

Meeting with Netanyahu, Trump calls for removal of Palestinians from Gaza

Prior to the bilateral meeting, the White House tried to put a humane spin on Trump's outlandish proposal, which critics and historians have likened to ethnic cleansing.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Israeli West Bank offensives displace thousands: officials

Agence France-Presse

Erdogan hails Syria leader's 'strong commitment' to fighting terror

Agence France-Presse

Pomp over substance marks Sharaa's first trip to Turkey as Syria's president

While the Turkish president lauded the visit as "historic," little of substance was announced and neither leader made any mention of an alleged defense pact reported Tuesday by Reuters.

Syria

Analysis

UAE's South Caucasus ambitions challenged by Georgia crisis: What to know

The UAE, encouraged by its flourishing ties with Azerbaijan, has made inroads in its relations with Baku's strategic partner, Georgia — but the political crisis there is now proving to be a challenge.

By Rahim Rahimov

In Baku, reporting on Middle East-Caucasus ties