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

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Politics & Security

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Saudi Arabia's FM heads to China amid differences with US on Iran war

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan’s visit to Beijing comes as commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains unstable.

A car drives past an United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) outpost in the village of Khan Arnabah, Quneitra, southern Syria, April 29, 2026.

Syria slams Israeli 'violations' in south as ground clashes intensify: What to know

In a rare incident, the Israeli military said it fired at armed men in southern Syria, without identifying the attackers.

Brahmos replicas are displayed during India's 60th Republic Day parade, Jan. 26, 2009, New Delhi.

Analysis

Why the UAE wants Indian missiles and a deeper strategic partnership

Talks on BrahMos cruise missiles and the Akashteer air defense network highlight Abu Dhabi’s effort to diversify military partnerships and reshape its postwar security strategy.

Francesco Schiavi

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Latest News

Analysis

Why Turkey and Egypt are deepening military ties amid regional turmoil

From (L-R) Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attend a meeting in Cairo on June 21, 2026.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

How competing visions over Hormuz strait threaten fragile Iran-US deal

In this picture obtained from Iran's ISNA news agency on June 18, 2026, vessels are seen anchored in Bandar Abbas along the Strait of Hormuz.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Explainer

Israel's Armenian genocide recognition marks new front against Turkey

Members of the Jerusalem Armenian community hold placards as they march during commemorations for the 94th anniversary of mass killings of their kin under the Ottoman Empire, Jerusalem's Old City, April 24, 2009.

US carries out strikes in Iran after vessel attack

In this US Navy released handout, an F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in support of Operation Epic Fury on March 1, 2026 at Sea.

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

Lebanese Presidency/AFP via Getty Images

Syria’s FM pays Lebanon first official visit since Assad’s fall: What to know

Lebanon and post-Assad Syria are seeking to rebuild their relations by addressing longstanding issues that caused tension between the two countries for decades.

Israeli army soldiers gather near infantry-fighting vehicles (IFVs) at a position along the Israel-Gaza border fence on October 10, 2025. Gaza's civil defence agency said October 10 that Israeli forces have begun pulling back from parts of the territory, particularly in Gaza City and Khan Yunis. Israeli prime minister's office said that the government had "approved the framework" of a hostage release deal with Hamas, as both sides edged closer to ending more than two years of hostilities in Gaza. (Photo by

Analysis

Netanyahu gamble appears to pay off as Israelis cheer Gaza retreat, planned hostage release

The Israeli military started its withdrawal from the Strip even before receiving a formal order to do so.

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

People walk along a destroyed road past heavily-damaged buildings in the centre of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Oct. 10, 2025, as the displaced return to their homes after Israeli forces' withdrawal.

Pentagon bolsters Gaza ceasefire oversight with 200-troop mission to Israel

US military officials will help coordinate everything from logistics of humanitarian aid deliveries to building security force teams, but doubts remain as to whether any side can force Hamas to disarm.

Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

US Senate approves repeal of Caesar Act sanctions on Syria: What to know

The 2019 Caesar Act imposed sweeping sanctions on Syria to hold the government accountable for human rights abuses committed during the country’s civil war.

Abbas at UN

PA’s Abbas jostles for seat at the table as Gaza ceasefire progresses

The Palestinian government in Ramallah is hoping to cement its influence in Gaza’s postwar governance as ceasefire talks advance.

The chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces, Gen. Rodolphe Haykal, meets with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha, Oct. 8, 2025.

Lebanon army chief visits Qatar amid push to disarm Hezbollah

Haykal has held meetings with the Qatari army chief, the country’s prime minister and its minister of state for defense affairs.

People celebrate at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Oct. 9, 2025, following the announcement of the new Gaza ceasefire deal.

Israel's cabinet convenes to ratify Trump Gaza deal, military readies for retreat

Israeli officials are preparing for the release of 20 living hostages held in Gaza either on Saturday or Sunday and for a possible visit by the US president on Sunday.

Palestinian children celebrate at a camp for displaced people in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on Oct. 9, 2025, following news of a new Gaza ceasefire deal.

How the Israel-Hamas deal could unfold in the coming days

Israel and Hamas are set for a long-awaited hostage-prisoner swap, but significant obstacles remain to a permanent ceasefire.

Demonstrators march toward the Israeli parliament (Knesset) headquarters in protest of Israeli hostages held captive in the Gaza Strip since Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 attack.

Trump says Israel, Hamas 'sign off' on phase 1 of Gaza truce deal

The announcement comes after key mediators, including from the Trump administration, joined the talks in Egypt.

An Israeli soldier displays military equipment and ammunition that Hamas and Palestinan militants used at the time of the attack on the Israeli south border with the Gaza Strip on Oct. 20, 2023, in Kiryat Malakhi, Israel.

Israel says Iran weapons plot foiled in West Bank: What to know

The third alleged Iranian smuggling plan in the past two years comes amid escalating violence in the Palestinian territory.