How Trump's Golan decision will further frustrate Mideast peace process

President Trump's tweet saying the United State should recognize Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights may help Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in April 9 elections, but may set back Trump's peace plan.

Israel

As US hints at plans to reduce troops, Iraqi MPs divided on what comes next

US troops in Iraq are unlikely to leave the country en masse due to US long-term plans to stay, and the sharp disagreement between Iraqi politicians regarding the presence of foreign forces in the country continues apace.

Iraq

Four years on, Yemen war remains Saudi Arabia’s albatross

The Saudi-led war on Yemen has alienated the kingdom from the US Congress and media outlets, with potentially dangerous consequences for the long-term future of US-Saudi relations.

Saudi Arabia

US singles out ‘mafia’-like groups as key threat to Iraq’s future

In exclusive interviews with Al-Monitor at the State Department, two top State Department officials lay out US policy goals as Iraq seeks normalize and balance ties with Iran and its other neighbors while seeking to prevent a return of the Islamic State.

Iraq

Pentagon fails to deliver US strategy on Yemen

The Pentagon has missed multiple congressional deadlines to report on US goals for the Saudi-led intervention.

Yemen

Road map for Iran-EU trade and investment relations

Europe is making efforts to set up a special purpose vehicle to uphold legitimate trade with Iran, but there is a need for a more comprehensive action plan for such trade and political relations.

United States

France bans flights operated by Iran's second-largest airline

Iran's second-largest airline, Mahan Air, has to stop flights to Paris for what has been reported as sanctions imposed by the French government.

United States

Turkish intervention could trigger Syria's 'second great war'

Mazlum Kobane, the commander in chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces, talks to Al-Monitor in an exclusive interview about how the Kurds in northeastern Syria have maintained a complicated network of alliances and why the prospect of Turkish intervention in the region could trigger another war.

Syria

Is Tehran trying to distance Qasem Soleimani from Iraq?

The recent visit of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Iraq has been read as attempt to distance Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani from Iraq, replacing him with the Foreign Ministry.

Iraq

2020 Democrats vow to re-enter Iran nuclear deal

Advocacy groups are pushing to rejoin US allies in the JCPOA amid criticism of Trump’s foreign policy record.

Congress

Intel: How Syria policy zigzags are confounding US allies

The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday that the Donald Trump administration continues to walk back its pullout from Syria and is now considering leaving as many as 1,000 US troops in the country.

Syria

Barzani: Russia key to settlement between Assad and Syrian Kurds

Manbij leaders prefer the United States, but would rather deal with Russia and Syria than Turkey; Amberin Zaman gets exclusive access to a prison for IS terrorists; did HTS force the resignation of a Syrian opposition leader?; Syrians protest Turkish truckers; Rouhani’s meeting with Sistani is "crowning achievement" of trip to Iraq.

Iraq