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.
Despite stepped-up military actions, Turkey still faces jihadi threats
Ankara’s past haphazard policies complicate crackdown on IS; Iran hard-liners gain from protests; Syrian Kurds may not give up sales of Syrian oil to Damascus.
Welcome to the beginning of the end of Iraq's post-Saddam era
For Iraq’s youth, it’s been a failure.
Against odds, Netanyahu revives his fortunes
The Israeli prime minister takes out a terrorist foe, puts Iran’s Soleimani on notice and effectively sinks rival’s chances to form a new government — not a bad week.
Can Trump, Erdogan pick up the pieces in Syria?
Putin gains from the fallout in US-Turkey ties and the Kurds are still counting on US influence with Ankara.
Iran not letting Iraq go without a fight
Iraqi protesters have had enough of Iran’s heavy hand, but don’t expect the Iranians to pack up and go home.
How Lebanon is setting the standard for a new social contract in the Middle East
Sectarianism gives way to economics and governance.
Iraq on low boil in anticipation of renewed protests
The crisis in Syria has only made Iraq’s problems worse.
Why Egypt’s economic reforms aren’t enough to win over the street
A new report shows significant progress in Egypt, but demonstrations are placing new pressures on President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to do more to battle corruption.
Iraqi youth to government: We’re not going to take it
As young Iraqis vent against their government, Iran is already positioning itself for the fallout, as its proxies hit the streets.
UN Syria envoy opens door to resolving 8½-year war
The establishment of a constitutional committee is a big step, but UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen knows he is just getting started.
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.
