Politics & Security - AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

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Politics & Security

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Kuwait unveils Iran IRGC infiltration plot, arrests 4: What to know

According to Kuwaiti authorities, four suspects arrested earlier this month after attempting to enter the country illegally via the sea confessed to belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and planning attacks against Kuwait.

Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos Hessebon meets with Marco Rubio in Washington on May 11, 2026.

Rubio hosts Ethiopia’s FM amid push to boost security ties: What to know

In response to heightening regional volatility, Ethiopia is prioritizing a strategic partnership with the Washington to secure its geopolitical standing.

A picture taken on March 12, 2017, shows an Panamanian tanker docking at the platform of the oil facility in the Khark Island, on the shore of the Gulf.

US hits China-linked Iran oil trade with sanctions ahead of Trump trip

The sanctions come after the United States rejected Iran's latest proposal to end the war.

Latest News

After year away, France returns ambassador to Algeria: What to know

French Deputy Armed Forces Minister Alice Rufo

Turkey's border reopening unlocks new sphere of influence in Syria

Turkish Red Crescent's cars and trucks cross the Turkish border as they leave the Syrian city of Tel Abyad on Oct. 19, 2019, in Akcakale, Turkey.

Trump calls Iran response 'piece of garbage,' set to meet military advisers

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - MAY 2: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to journalists before boarding Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport on May 2, 2026 in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump is spending the weekend at his Mar-A-Lago resort. (Photo by Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images)

EU ministers agree to sanction violent West Bank settlers: What to know

Two men stand next to the burned remains of a Palestinian vehicle in the Wadi al-Rakhim area of Susya village in Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, on May 1, 2026.

Amberin Zaman

Chief Correspondent

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Diplomatic Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Ezgi Akin

Associate Editor (Turkey)

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Ben Caspit

Israel Columnist

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

Jared Szuba

Defense and Security Correspondent

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

Israel's Foreign Minister Yair Lapid (2nd L) and U. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (2nd R) chat with Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani (R) and United Arab Emirates' Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (L), in Sde Boker, Israel on March 28, 2022. - Blinken and the top diplomats of Israel and four Arab states held a landmark meeting to discuss issues from the Iran nuclear negotiations to the global shockwaves of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Jacquelyn Mar

Gaza war tests Arab Gulf influence as GCC tries to avert regional escalation

Although the UAE and Bahrain have formal diplomatic relations with Israel, and Saudi Arabia was considering such a move, Arab states in the region have their own reasons to be cautious.

Iran Qaani

How far will Iran go to support Hamas in war with Israel?

Forty days into the Israel-Hamas war, the commander of Iran's Quds Force promised the militant group that Iran "will do anything required." Yet questions linger over Iran's willingness to risk direct involvement.

TOPSHOT - A Palestinian girl and her brother sit amidst the debris of a house following an Israeli strike in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on November 18, 2023, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. (Photo by MOHAMMED ABED / AFP) (Photo by MOHAMMED ABED/AFP via Getty Images)

Day 43 of Hamas-Israel war blog: Saturday, Nov. 18

Lipstadt

US envoy reports 'tidal wave of antisemitism' worldwide amid Gaza war

Biden administration antisemitism envoy Deborah Lipstadt said there is a difference between protesting in support of Palestine and attacking Jews, and praised European governments for their efforts to fight bigotry.

Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek (C) addresses a statement to the journalists at the party's group meeting at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) on June 21, 2023. (Photo by Adem ALTAN / AFP) (Photo by ADEM ALTAN/AFP via Getty Images)

What awaits Turkey's economy as its foreign exchange woes ease?

After the March local polls, Ankara will be free of major domestic political concerns and is expected to enact a stern program to cool the economy and make real progress in fighting inflation.

Erdogan Scholz

Tensions erupt at Turkey's Erdogan presser in Germany over Gaza war

The joint press conference between the leaders of the two nations further exposed their differences over the Israel-Hamas war.

Layal al-Ekhtiar appears on Al-Arabiya, Nov. 17, 2023.

Why did Lebanon issue warrant for journalist over interview with Israeli official?

Journalists reporting on the prospects of Lebanon being dragged into a war have faced growing pressure and harassment.

EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images

US senate votes unanimously to suspend Azerbaijan's military assistance

The Biden administration has balked at authorizing additional military assistance to Baku in the wake of the September Nagorno-Karabakh war, and lawmakers are pushing for a two-year moratorium.

AL-MONITOR Staff

By AL-MONITOR Staff

Palestinians amid the destruction following an Israeli strike in the Jabalia refugee camp, Gaza Strip, Nov. 1, 2023.

Analysis

Inside Israel’s three ‘day after’ options for Gaza amid government split

Israel had three main options for administering Gaza after its war against Hamas, all with notable obstacles.

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

Israeli armored vehicles are pictured during a raid by the Israeli army in the Jenin refugee camp, the occupied West Bank, Nov. 16, 2023.

Israel's raid in West Bank leaves several dead following US warning of escalation

Israel is increasing military raids in the West Bank concurrent with the war in Gaza.

Trucks carrying fuel enter the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, Oct. 22, 2023.

Israel approves daily fuel transfer to Gaza for water, sewage treatment after US request

Israeli national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi cites fear of disease affecting Gaza residents, Israeli soldiers, the military campaign and hostages for the move.

John Moore/Getty Images

Day 42 of Hamas-Israel war blog: Friday, Nov. 17