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 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.
Two to watch at the UN General Assembly: Turkey’s Erdogan and Iraq’s Salih
Turkish leader meets Trump ahead of safe-zone deadline; Iraqi president offers new direction for Iraq and region.
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.
Iran, misreading Trump’s resolve, escalates conflict in Yemen ahead of US midterms
On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Trump links Iran to the war on terror, vowing it will “never, ever have a nuclear weapon.”
Barzani calls for enhanced air defense for Kurdistan Region to counter drone attacks
Iraqi Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani backs US-led regional economic integration efforts and lauds US partnership in an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor.
Trump’s strategy on Iran may be paying off
Through far-sighted diplomacy and a durable new regional architecture, Trump has cornered Iran between alignment and atrophy.
Iran-linked militias seek to draw Iraq into regional war
“Iran’s logic is the logic of war,” a Gulf regional official tells Al-Monitor.
