Analysis
Since 2012, the Week in Review keeps you ahead of the curve with in-depth analysis of the trends in the region, based on AL-MONITOR’s world class reporting.
Biden approach to Saudi Arabia echoes Bush’s China policy after Tiananmen Square
Also: Washington and Riyadh seek to break Sudan deadlock; Syrian factions unite against Turkey.
Does Erdogan have a green light from Russia to move into Syria?
The US and Iran oppose the planned Turkish operation, as Erdogan digs in further on Finland and Sweden’s NATO bids, and warns Greece on the Aegean Islands.
Erdogan: Sweden, Finland need to ‘act accordingly’ toward Kurdish groups for approval on NATO bids
The Turkish president repeated these points while announcing another military operation into Syria.
Biden didn’t go to Turkey, and things aren’t okay with Erdogan
The Turkish president announces plans for another invasion of Syria, while digging in on rejecting admitting Sweden and Finland to NATO.
Erdogan’s high price for Sweden, Finland joining NATO
The Turkish president senses an opportunity to finally settle scores regarding perceived previous slights by NATO powers.
Israel-Palestinian conflict back at center of Middle East agenda
The confrontations at Jerusalem’s holy sites, recent terror attacks inside Israel, the killing of Al Jazeera Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, a dire Palestnian economy and a more assertive Hamas have put the Palestinian question back at the core of the region’s many issues.
Sinjar becomes latest flashpoint for Iran-Turkey tensions in Iraq
New Pentagon IG report says that the Turkey-PKK conflict and Iranian militias are contributing to instability in Iraq.
US committed to UN truce and ‘better future’ for Yemen, says US envoy
In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Tim Lenderking, US special envoy for Yemen, says the United States can be counted on to continue its strong diplomatic effort in Yemen, but the core responsibilities for peace lie with the parties themselves.
Hamas mulls opportunities, risks in Jerusalem violence
Egyptian mediation again in spotlight to prevent a repeat of Israel-Hamas war.
Israel wants to see improved US-Saudi relations in sign of changed Middle East
Israel's ambassador to the United States also addresses Palestinian political process; violence escalates at Jerusalem holy sites; Hamas focuses on West Bank and resistance dramas; Christian population of Jerusalem dwindles further.
Zaidi’s test in Tehran
Less than 24 hours after Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi returned from Tehran on Thursday, Iraqi Kurdistan again came under attack.
Five explosive drones were intercepted over Erbil by US-led coalition air defenses, triggering explosions and smoke near the airport that hosts coalition forces and sits adjacent to the US consulate. While Iraq’s Kurdistan region is no stranger to attacks by Iran and its proxies, the timing was hard to ignore. For Tehran, despite the arrival of a new Iraqi prime minister promising a different path, it appears to be business as usual.
US banking on Iraqi turnaround with nomination of Zaidi as new PM
Trump signals hope for a "tremendous new chapter” in US-Iraq ties with the nomination of Ali Al-Zaidi as prime minister.
Iraq's Sudani: US troop withdrawal does not mean end of security relationship
At an event hosted by Al-Monitor and the US Chamber of Commerce, the prime minister discussed Iraq’s plan to achieve energy independence by 2030 and his desire to drawdown the US military presence in the country.
Netanyahu, regional leaders hedge on possible Trump win in November
The Israeli prime minister is under pressure to deliver on a cease-fire during his Washington visit next week; Biden can’t heal Democrat divisions over Israel and the Gaza war.
