Analysis How militias in Anbar could complicate Iraq’s energy ambitions Securing western Anbar is emerging as a key test of Iraq’s ability to curb armed factions, attract foreign investment and unlock the province’s vast energy potential. By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
Exclusive How Syrian Air is braving regional turbulence to rise from the ashes In an interview with Al-Monitor, CEO Anwar Akkad lays out his ambitious plans to expand the carrier’s fleet, destinations and role in reconnecting Syria to the world. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Can Netanyahu turn Israel's UN isolation into strength at home? The absence of a Trump meeting would have been awkward for Netanyahu, who has long portrayed himself to Israeli voters as uniquely close to the US president. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
UAE's Gargash expects 'prolonged' war, calls for Iran-Gulf security talks "We need a new mindset that these sort of discussions ... can happen at an Iranian-American level, it should also take place at an Iranian-Arab level," Gargash told Al-Monitor. United Arab Emirates
New Zealand slams Australia for revoking citizenship of IS associate Turkish authorities detained a woman with dual Australia-New Zealand citizenship allegedly affiliated with the Islamic State. Syria
Is HTS reining in or expanding jihadist network in Idlib? Ansar al-Tawhid recently attacked a Russian operations room in the south of Idlib governate, killing and injuring several soldiers on the site, raising questions about the group’s identity and affiliations. Syria
Damascus scrambles for more control in southern Syria As the Russian-brokered Tafas agreement in the western countryside of Daraa between the Syrian regime and the Central Committee enters into force, the regime is now seeking to take over the towns outside its control in southern Syria before the upcoming 2021 presidential elections. Syria
Pentagon ‘comfortable’ with troop levels in Middle East ahead of review Whether the United States pulls forces from the Middle East to counter China may well depend on the success of Biden's diplomacy with Iran Legacy: Gulf
Islamic State escalates attacks in Syrian desert The Islamic State organization (IS) kills a large number of regime forces on an almost daily basis in the Syrian Desert, which has turned into a black hole draining the regime forces. Syria
Syrian livestock depleted by war, failing economy Syrian cattle owners and breeders are no longer able to look after their livestock in light of the soaring prices of oil derivatives, fodder and other necessary means for animal husbandry, not to mention the large number of animals that perished in the shelling. Syria
Understanding Turkey's vision of medical schools for small Syrian town Ankara plans to establish two medical educational facilities in a small Syrian town across the border as Turkish entrenchment deepens in Syria. Syria
Russia plays up ties to Syrian Christians Russia declares its support for the Orthodox Christian militias fighting alongside the Syrian regime, as it shows great interest in the ideological factor within its expansion and domination strategy in Syria Syria
Family of American held in Syria pins hopes on Biden This month marks four years since psychotherapist Majd Kamalmaz disappeared in Syria. Syria
Syrian opposition regroups as another round of talks crashes The Syrian opposition is mulling its next moves after the faltering of yet another round of talks of the Syrian Constitutional Committee. Syria
Jobless Syrians have little use for government’s new construction training program Syrians are reluctant to apply to the technical training centers the regime plans to establish because of the shockingly low stipends provided. Syria
57 nations hit for failure to repatriate women, children from Syrian camps UN human rights experts are pressing Great Britain, France, Iran, Russia, Turkey, the United States and 51 other countries to repatriate nearly 10,000 of their citizens associated with the Islamic State. Syria