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.
Egypt shows diplomatic finesse forging Gaza cease-fire
Hamas' agreement to refrain from attacks, for now, puts Gaza on the back burner for Israeli elections.
Rouhani faces winter of Iran's discontent
Iran’s hard-liners have already secured a takeover of the parliament in elections this month; Trump says any negotiations are totally up to Iran.
Putin’s thin red lines in Syria rattle Erdogan
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan still has limited options in the wake of Syria's retaking of a key town in Idlib province.
Trump administration adjusts policies to new realities in Syria and Iraq
Syrian Kurdish leader Mazlum Kobane has suggested in an interview new confidence-building measures with Turkey. Meanwhile, Donald Trump and Barham Salih have managed expectations in their meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
Islamic Jihad undermines shaky Gaza cease-fire with rocket barrage
Israel, Egypt holding Hamas accountable for all attacks from Gaza; the wisdom of Sultan Qaboos.
Can Israel, Hamas keep it calm after US killing of Soleimani?
For Israel, the return of deterrence is tainted with the possibility of a nightmare scenario.
Iraq can’t survive a US-Iran war
The Iraqi government is on edge after the United States takes out Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, calls for restraint.
Will Iran take up Trump’s offer to ‘make a deal together’?
President Donald Trump may be ready for another deal with Iran, and if so, Tehran’s leaders should take him up on it.
White House provides lifeline to US ties with Turkey and Saudi Arabia
Turkish and Saudi leaders look to Trump to prevent relations with the United States from going bad to worse.
As chaos and violence consume Iraq, US keeps focus on deterring Iran
The Trump administration’s realism is well suited to the crisis in Iraq, with a clear red line on keeping out Iranian missiles.
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.
Lebanon FM warns of 'devastating’ regional war if Israel escalates campaign against Hezbollah
In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Lebanon's top diplomat, Abdallah Bou Habib, adds that security in the south ultimately depends on a strong Lebanese army and an agreement on the border – not war.
US, Iran guarantors of shaky deterrence between Israel and Hezbollah
Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah is not ready to go to the mattresses over the killing of another senior commander on Wednesday, and Iran doesn't want a war while it favors the threat of confrontation as a deterrent.
