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

politics and security cover image

Politics & Security

Nathan Howard / AFP via Getty Images

As Trump touts nuclear progress, US-Iran talks show little momentum

With a final nuclear agreement far from reach, the US-Iran conflict risks settling into a new status quo.

Syrian security forces and people gather at the site of an explosion at a cafe in the capital, Damascus, on July 2, 2026.

At least 6 killed, 22 wounded in Damascus cafe explosion: What to know

Syrian authorities have yet to identify a perpetrator in relation to the incident, and armed groups opposing the transitional government did not immediately take credit.

Latest News

Turkish jets strike al-Shabab targets in Somalia: What to know

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud speaks during the launch of an offshore energy exploration at the port in Mogadishu on April 10, 2026.

Who is Melat Kiros, the pro-Palestinian who unseated a longtime Democrat?

Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images

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

JAAFAR ASHTIYEH/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

First in 8 years: Abbas visits Lebanon amid push to disarm Palestinian camps

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is en route to Beirut, where authorities have intensified pressure on Hamas operatives.

Beatrice Farhat

By Beatrice Farhat

In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict

LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

'We were wrong': Israel misreads Trump 2.0 as storm brews with Europe

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces growing pressure to end his current Gaza campaign, not only by the international community but by the Trump administration as well.

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

Turkish presidential spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin gives a press conference following talks with Sweden and Finland over their bids to join NATO at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, on May 25, 2022.

Turkey’s intel chief Kalin makes surprise visit to Syria, meets Sharaa

Kalin's visit comes as a Turkish delegation arrives in Washington to discuss sanctions relief on Syria with the Trump administration.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L), accompanied by outgoing finance minister Yisrael Katz, on June 13, 2021.

Two Israelis arrested for allegedly spying for Iran on Katz: What to know

The police and Shin Bet said that since the beginning of the year, they have foiled 20 cases of Israelis spying for Iran, with 30 individuals indicted.

A Palestinian girl sits amid a makeshift displacement camp set up amid building rubble in Gaza City on May 12, 2025. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on May 12 that the release of a US-Israeli hostage announced by Hamas would not lead to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip or the release of Palestinian detainees. (Photo by Omar AL-QATTAA / AFP) (Photo by OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFP via Getty Images)

Netanyahu slams France, UK, Canada for asking Israel to 'stop' Gaza war

A sharp exchange between Israel and its Western partners over Gaza policy unfolded Monday, with Netanyahu slamming calls to halt military action just as a new Israeli offensive reportedly killed more than 100 Palestinians in less than two days.

A man pays tribute during the commemoration of the 26th anniversary of a bomb attack

Why US is offering $10M reward for info on Hezbollah in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay

Hezbollah maintains a presence in South America’s tri-border area as well as in friendly Venezuela.

A man watches as smoke billows after a drone strike on the port of Port Sudan on May 6, 2025. Drones struck the airport and targeted an army base in Port Sudan on May 6, officials said, the third straight day the Sudanese army-aligned government's seat of power has come under attack. (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

Kamil Idris named new Sudan’s PM as conflict escalates: What to know

Idris’ appointment marks the country’s first official prime minister since 2022, as Sudan remains mired in a devastating war between the army and the RSF.

AFP via Getty Images

Iran, Azerbaijan hold military drill in disputed Nagorno-Karabakh: What to know

Military cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan is increasing as overall relations improve after years of tensions over Armenia and Israel.

Aoun Sisi

After Kuwait, Lebanon’s Aoun visits Egypt seeking reconstruction support

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is in Egypt on a tour seeking support for Lebanon’s reconstruction.

Fidan, Rubio, Al Shibani

Turkey delegation heads to US to discuss Syria sanctions relief: What to know

The talks will follow a landmark meeting between the United States, Syria and Turkish and Saudi leaders.

This picture taken on Jan. 25, 2000, shows a close-up of a postage stamp commemorating Israeli spy Eli Cohen, who was executed by Syria in Damascus in 1965.

Israeli Mossad retrieves entire archive of Eli Cohen from Syria: What we know

The announcement of the secret operation that recovered 2,500 documents from Syria coincided with the 60th anniversary of Cohen’s execution.

People drive on a street past portraits of slain Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and buildings damaged in Israeli strikes in the recent war in the Ghobeiry neighborhood of Beirut's southern suburb on May 4, 2025.

Analysis

Lebanon’s municipal elections: Hezbollah holds, Sunnis splinter, Christians rebalance

Two rounds of municipal elections reveal a clear win for the Lebanese Forces at the expense the rival Free Patriotic Movement and Hezbollah maintaining support in its strongholds.

Beatrice Farhat

By Beatrice Farhat

In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict