Sharaa’s New York blitz: Syria seeks economic revival in first UN visit in 58 years

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is in New York on a landmark visit during which he will address the UN General Assembly as he seeks to break Syria’s isolation.

Syria

Interview

Macron aide warns Israel: All options on table as France readies for Palestine recognition

French President Emmanuel Macron’s special adviser, Ofer Bronchtein, told Al-Monitor that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his associates are mounting a smear campaign against the French president.

Ofer Bronchtein

Special adviser to the French president

Analysis

As US steps back from Europe, Turkey eyes bigger role in NATO defense industry

Ankara’s growing defense industry offers Europe new opportunities, but political rifts and technological hurdles may limit its reach.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

Planned diversification or US doubts? Why Saudi Arabia inked Pakistan security pact

Saudi Arabia’s new defense pact with Pakistan signals growing Gulf doubts about US security guarantees.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Analysis

As Israelis sour on China, Netanyahu provokes Beijing — but to what end?

With China already opposing Israeli actions in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused China and Qatar of orchestrating anti-Israel campaigns on social media.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Analysis

UN snapback sanctions deepen Iran’s 'sense of siege,' fuel fears of reprisal

Iran has warned of further escalation after its Western adversaries voted to reimpose sweeping sanctions on the Islamic Republic, as economic repercussions are expected to complicate the already grim livelihoods of ordinary Iranians.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

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

Sudan: RSF drone strike kills 75 in Darfur displacement camp

The strike hit a mosque at Abu Shouk camp on the outskirts of el-Fasher during morning prayers, killing dozens and underscoring the rising civilian toll as RSF and army battles escalate in Darfur.

Sudan

Analysis

Seeking leeway on Gaza, Netanyahu backs Trump’s Syria pact push

The US is working intensively to arrange a historic meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Syrian President Sharaa on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York.

By Ben Caspit

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

Analysis

A year after Israel's pager attack, can battered Hezbollah rebound in Lebanon?

The double explosion of wireless devices that struck across Lebanon simultaneously last September left Hezbollah shocked and seemingly unable to regain the standing it once enjoyed.

By Beatrice Farhat , Adam Lucente

Turkey, Egypt join forces for first EastMed drills in 13 years

The joint exercises signal a thaw in Ankara-Cairo relations after years of tension over regional rivalries and past political disputes.

Turkey

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