Analysis

Can Syria's Assad leverage earthquake to come in from the cold?

Aid for disaster recovery could provide an excuse for some countries in the region to resume normal relations with the Syrian regime.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Palestinians join earthquake rescue efforts in Syria, Turkey

The Palestinian Authority joins more than 60 countries sending rescue teams to Turkey and Syria in response to the earthquake.

Palestine

Turkey's politicians play blame game as earthquake death toll hits 20,000

The ruling AKP and its ally MHP approved the bill on declaring a state of emergency for Turkey’s quake zone while opposition parties voted against it, saying the president already has sufficient powers for disaster management.

Turkey

Russia's Lavrov in Iraq, looks for sanctions relief

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s trip to Iraq focused on expanding energy and trade ties, while making a pitch for relief from US sanctions.

Iraq

Iran intel official says China in line to buy Tehran's drones  

Despite growing Western alarm over the Islamic Republic's drone shipments to Russia, the Iranian official said 90 countries were "queuing up" for purchases of the same products.   

Iran

US unveils new sanctions on Iran's petroleum industry

The sanctions targeted nine entities the Treasury Department said were involved in producing, shipping and selling Iranian petrochemicals and petroleum.

Iran

France offers Syria $12.8 million for earthquake via UN agencies, not Assad

As ties between Paris are Damascus have been severed since 2012, France will donate humanitarian aid financing to Syria through the UNs and other international mechanisms.

Syria In Crisis

Iraq's PM in UAE as Abu Dhabi announces water project in Sinjar

Iraq is pivoting towards the Gulf in its foreign policy while also seeking to maintain good ties with Iran.

Iraq

Lotus in the desert: The burgeoning India-Middle East relationship

The recent recalibration in ties between India and the Middle East has impacted several key sectors. We take a deep, analytical dive into the growing relationship.

The Takeaway: Syria's neglected northwest pleads for earthquake aid

Plus, a roundup of Al-Monitor's on-the-ground coverage of the devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkey.

Turkey

Earthquake death toll nears 20,000 as Turkey, Syria seek help

Hundreds of thousands more are injured or displaced as rescue workers race against time to free those who are trapped.

Turkey

Clean air funding halved in Iran’s budget as pollution chokes much of country  

As much of Iran grapples with record levels of air pollution during the cold season each year, the government has halved the resources allocated to tackling the pressing issue despite an overall increase in the budget cap.  

Iran