Italy pledges to maintain troops in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL withdrawal Italy plays a crucial role in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, with an Italian leading its command and the country contributing over 1,000 troops to the mission. Lebanon
Qatar’s prime minister meets US officials as Gaza plan stalls Sheikh Mohammed's visit comes as questions mount over Hamas' disarmament and the role of international troops in post-war Gaza. Qatar
Culture Egypt’s koshary, Gulf’s bisht gain UNESCO recognition The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has added more than 10 cultural practices from across the Middle East and North Africa region this year. Egypt
Barham Salih slated to become first Kurd and Iraqi to lead UNHCR Barham Salih — former Iraqi president of Iraq and widely respected politician in Washington — has been formally nominated to become the next UN high commissioner for refugees. Iraq
Exclusive US pushes UN vote to revoke Sharaa sanctions before White House visit By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
In UN speech, Trump slams allies’ Palestine recognition as 'reward' to Hamas President Donald Trump spoke on the heels of France, the United Kingdom and other countries endorsing Palestinian statehood. United States
In UN spotlight, Syria’s Sharaa meets Rubio in New York Ahmed al-Sharaa is set to become the first Syrian president since 1967 to address the annual United Nations summit. Syria
Senate confirms Mike Waltz as Trump’s UN ambassador ahead of UNGA summit The vote comes days ahead of President Donald Trump's address to the annual gathering of the UN General Assembly. United States
Analysis From Palestine push to Sharaa’s UN debut: What to watch at UN summit The annual international get-together will feature a wave of Palestinian statehood recognition, the Syrian president’s United Nations debut and possible 11th-hour diplomacy with Iran. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Palestine UN envoy: Ramallah bracing for Israeli retaliation amid UN recognition push Palestinians aim to press for recognition and international support at the UN next week, with envoy Riyad Mansour telling Al-Monitor that the coming days will be critical. Palestine
UN special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen steps down after six years Pedersen is leaving as Syria continues to grapple with political upheaval, humanitarian crises and ongoing conflict. Syria
US lists 4 Iran-backed Iraqi militias as foreign terrorist organizations Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited the militias' repeated attacks on US and coalition forces across Iraq. Iraq
142 back, 10 oppose French-Saudi roadmap for two-state solution at UN: What to know The text initiated by France and Saudi Arabia for the implementation of the two-state-solution was adopted Friday by the United Nations General Assembly with a large majority. Israel
UAE president visits Qatar, bans Israel from Dubai Airshow after Doha strikes UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan threw his country’s support behind Qatar, saying the Israeli strikes on Qatari territory violated international laws. Qatar
Sudan accuses UAE of hiring Colombian mercenaries in UN complaint Sudan’s complaint claims 350 to 380 Colombian mercenaries were recruited by Emirati security firms to fight alongside the RSF. Sudan
UAE president meets Saudi crown prince ahead of UN Palestine conference The UAE and Saudi Arabia have strengthened cooperation since the Gaza war began in 2023, though their rivalry over regional influence and economic leadership remains. United Arab Emirates
Iran’s Pezeshkian meets Xi in Beijing as China, Russia try to stall E3 sanctions Iran’s president met China's in Beijing after the SCO summit, which backed Iran’s against international sanctions and condemned US-Israeli strikes on the country earlier this summer. Iran
