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

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Politics & Security

YASIN AKGUL/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Iran war puts Turkey’s inflation fight, lira under fresh pressure

A prolonged Iran war is leaving Turkey's economy management caught between maintaining painful monetary tightening and cutting rates before the economy is ready.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

moke rises from a high-rise building following a drone attack in Kuwait City on March 8, 2026.

Analysis

Can Kuwait secure a Saudi-style defense pact with Pakistan?

Kuwait and other GCC states are looking to Pakistan, among other countries, for alternate security arrangements and multilayered deterrence.

Sabena Siddiqui

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump makes an announcement on American nuclear innovation in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 24, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

US halts strikes on Iran, sees opening for talks: What to know

A four-day lull in Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the strait of Hormuz was seen as an opportunity to resume diplomatic talks and dial down the war, Al-Monitor’s source said.

Jared Szuba

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

Muntions near a B1 Bomber are seen at RAF Fairford on July 24, 2026, in Fairford, England.

Analysis

What Iran's warning to Britain reveals about broader escalation strategy

Iran's latest warning to Britain reflects more than wartime rhetoric, exposing how Tehran is widening its deterrence as the conflict increasingly draws in US allies.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Latest News

Analysis

What challenges await Erdogan’s new rival and Turkey’s new opposition party?

Ozgur Ozel

Halil Karaveli

By Halil Karaveli

Analysis

Saudi nuclear deal adds new wrinkle if Iran talks resume

US President Donald Trump (L) and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia pause for photographs along the West Wing Colonnade at the White House on Nov. 18, 2025, in Washington.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

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

Iran signs 25 deals at SCO meeting: What to know

AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Ahead of Trump meeting, Netanyahu lays groundwork for Israel to rejoin Iran war

GIL COHEN-MAGEN / AFP via Getty Images

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

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

AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images

Human rights activists condemn Hamas’ increasing death penalties

The Hamas movement continues to violate Palestinian law in carrying out death penalties in the Gaza Strip.

MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

US partners in Middle East avoid taking sides against China

Also: cryptocurrency takes spotlight in Abu Dhabi and Gargash outlines UAE approach to foreign policy.

Speaker of Libyan House of Representatives Aguila Saleh, United Nations Special Adviser on Libya Stephanie Williams.

Ban on military personnel running for office in Libya leads to standoff

Libya’s High State of Council approved a ban on military personnel from running in the presidential elections in a move seemingly targeting eastern-based military strongman Khalifa Hifter.

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz (R) and his Greek counterpart, Nikos Panagiotopoulos.

Israeli Defense Ministry reassures Greece, Cyprus over trilateral alliance

Three weeks after his official visit to Turkey, Defense Minister Benny Gantz visits Greece in an effort to reassure his counterparts that rapprochement with Ankara won’t come at the expense of the trilateral Hellenic partnership.

A photo of slain US-Palestinian correspondent Shireen Abu Akleh, with a caption in Arabic reading "Shireen Abu Akleh, the voice of Palestine", is placed amongst reporters ahead of a joint press conference between the US and Palestinian Presidents after their meeting at the Muqataa pesidential compound in the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank on July 15, 2022.

The Israel Briefing: Israel rejects US plan to investigate death of Palestinian journalist

In this weekly newsletter, Ben Caspit and Rina Bassist round up the biggest stories from Israel.

MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

US says Saudi Arabia's MBS has immunity in Khashoggi lawsuit

The Biden administration says Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman should be immune from a US lawsuit holding him responsible for Jamal Khashoggi's murder.

Bradley D’coutho

Israel, Jordan sign first environmental agreement at COP27

The environmental agreement signed yesterday between Israel and Jordan is the first such development ever between the two countries.

(L to R) Israel's Defence Minister Benny Gantz, US President Joe Biden and Israeli caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid, stand in front of Israel's Iron Dome defence system during a tour at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, on July 13, 2022.

The Security Briefing: Pentagon talks tech with Israelis

In this weekly newsletter, Jared Szuba rounds up the biggest security stories from the Middle East.

Syrian demonstrators gather to protest Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) jihadist group.

Syrian jihadist group HTS challenges Turkish-backed factions

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham tried to enter the Turkey-backed factions’ stronghold to support Ahrar al-Sham that refused to support the newly formed leadership by some groups within the movement.

People tour the Qatar COP27 pavillon, displaying the various stadiums that will be hosting the matches of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, at the Sharm el-Sheikh International Convention Center, Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Nov. 14, 2022.

GCC states focused on both oil, green energy at COP27

During the COP27 in Egypt, Gulf Cooperation Council states have focused on both oil and green energy in light of rising energy demand and the nations’ reliance on energy exports.

Rally in Germany for Iran protests

As Iran's crackdown on protests enters violent new phase, casualties surge

Lethal force was used against mourners at funerals, women were tear-gassed at a crowded subway station, and more than two months of unrest in Iran appeared far from fizzling out.

ILYAS AKENGIN/AFP via Getty Images

Turkey’s first national soccer game in Kurdish heartland hints at electioneering

The match was set in Diyarbakir by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as he faces a tough vote next year.