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.
Five priorities for the US-Iraq strategic dialogue include recognizing regional role for Iraq
US diplomacy during Iraqi transition sets tone for relationship.
Was Trump’s call about oil with Saudi leader the start of a reset in relations?
US-Saudi partnership faces both old and new challenges in post-COVID-19 Middle East.
Women, children face increased risk of abuse during Mideast lockdowns
No COVID-19 furlough for imprisoned Iranian women’s rights activists; Interreligious, LGBT couples struggle to connect; Yemen’s cease-fire gets a second chance.
Hope for Yemen? Plus, three quick takes on the IMF’s outlook for Iran, Lebanon and Egypt
The UN-Saudi peace initiative may be the best hope in an otherwise gloomy regional forecast during "The Great Lockdown."
Will Iran back UN-Saudi initiative for cease-fire in Yemen?
For Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, Yemen is too big to fail; for Iran, it’s a penny stock investment to keep the kingdom bogged down in a quagmire.
How the pandemic, plummeting oil prices could reshape Middle East
COVID-19 will weaken fragile states, raising risk of failure but creating openings for diplomacy.
Iraq’s post-pandemic future depends on breaking Iran’s hold
The Trump administration tells Iraq it faces a 'decision point' in choosing America or Iran.
Is there a coronavirus peace dividend for Israelis and Palestinians?
Cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian leaders to contain the coronavirus sparks hope for deeper cooperation as Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz edge closer to a unity government.
Historical context: Biden’s 2002 vote on Iraq war
Congress passed a new resolution on the use of force in the Middle East; the United States retaliates against Iran-backed militias in Iraq; and an 18-year-old debate returns.
UAE offers regional road map to deal with Iran
Policies on coronavirus, nuclear issues may help recast regional security discussions, complement US policies.
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.
