Interview
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.
Iran sends a powerful signal to counter Iraqi nationalist trend
Iraqi populist Muqtada al-Sadr’s trip to Iran presents opportunity for the United States.
Putin can’t save Erdogan from Idlib quagmire
The Russian president ultimately sees Bashar al-Assad as the solution to Turkey’s border crisis, but is playing a long game.
Rouhani says he doesn’t want photo-op with Trump — but maybe he should
French President Emmanuel Macron, the man in the middle, is appealing to both sides for compromise.
US influence on the line if Israel has 'free hand' to bomb Iraq
Israeli attacks in Iraq signal need for some red lines with Iran.
Putin’s Gulf security plan depends on Trump
The Russian president plans to roll out his regional initiative to calm Gulf tensions next month — but are the United States and the EU ready to let Putin step up in the Gulf?
Why Egypt matters — maybe more than ever
The US-Egyptian partnership deepens in Sinai, but human rights issues won’t go away.
Tinderbox: Israeli military attacks in Iraq could complicate US strategy in Middle East
Washington may need to draw some red lines to protect its larger regional interests.
Shadow war: Egypt and Iran battle for influence in Gaza
It looks like Khamenei and Hamas leaders agree on everything ... but is the reality more or less than meets the eye? Iran gains traction even with the PA; Egypt looks to take the diplomatic lead; closing the Iranian margins.
While the world focuses on Iran, a tragedy is ‘unfolding before our eyes’ in Idlib
Trump asks Putin to protect Idlib; Putin seeks options to capitalize on impasse in Syria safe zone talks; Russia wins on S-400 sale to Turkey.
Traps abound as Iraq charts independent course based on ‘national vision’
Iraq's new foreign policy vision promotes noninterference and economic integration; Turkey's bombing of PKK sites in Iraq's Qandil Mountains tests Baghdad's resolve.
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.
G42-Microsoft partnership in Kenya 'just the beginning,' says UAE trade minister
In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi discusses momentum in UAE trade with the US, the benefits of economic diversification and Africa’s priority in UAE trade policy.
