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.
A tale of two elections: Netanyahu, Abbas face the abyss
The Israeli prime minister and Palestinian president are both losing control of their traditional coalitions.
Surprising economic upside seen for Egypt, Morocco and Iran
Reports this month by the IMF and the US intelligence community also underscore troubling trendlines.
Syria’s agonizing decade: Crisis and stalemate
A US-Russia showdown over humanitarian border crossings stymies the UN peace process after 10 years of misery.
Sudan takes center stage in US regional strategy
Khartoum gets a boost this week from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund as US Sudan envoy tours the region; the latest Nile dam talks kick off in Kinshasa, Congo, on Saturday.
Once again, Netanyahu could win with a draw
Facing a corruption indictment and seemingly boxed in, Netanyahu is still standing.
Erdogan makes urgent appeal to West on grim 10-year mark of Syria’s war
Ankara desperately needs options to get out of the Syria quagmire, but the Turkish president's offer is likely to fall flat with the Biden administration.
A thaw in Turkey’s relations with Egypt?
Gulf Cooperation Council reconciliation may have set in motion Ankara’s desire for a reset with Cairo.
Biden administration's textbook approach to Iran may be paying off
The United States builds consensus with European Union partners first, while bolstering deterrence; Rezai says Iran willing to talk if US sends 'clear signal' on sanctions; Rouhani’s missing coattails in Iran’s June elections.
Biden administration shouldn’t stop with Yemen
The United States can also play a key role in diplomacy to end wars in Syria and Libya.
Can Turkey fit into the Biden administration’s Syria policy?
The gnarliest problem: Pentagon report says Syrian, Iranian proxies are "most significant" threats to US mission, but the Islamic State isn’t dead yet, and Turkey and the United States still disagree on the Kurds.
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.
