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.
Putin plays Syria card in Israeli, Turkish elections
Russian President Vladimir Putin may be the winner with regard to his influence in Syria.
Did Trump’s decision on Golan undercut Putin mediation on Syria?
Russian President Vladimir Putin thought he had a deal in Helsinki; Turkey rethinks Syria ties over Kurds.
SDF commander lays out conditions for reconciliation with Damascus
In an exclusive interview, Mazlum Kobane warns of a “second great war” if Turkey intervenes militarily; State Department officials explain consequences of "undisciplined armed groups" in Iraq.
Barzani: Russia key to settlement between Assad and Syrian Kurds
Manbij leaders prefer the United States, but would rather deal with Russia and Syria than Turkey; Amberin Zaman gets exclusive access to a prison for IS terrorists; did HTS force the resignation of a Syrian opposition leader?; Syrians protest Turkish truckers; Rouhani’s meeting with Sistani is "crowning achievement" of trip to Iraq.
Salih: Iraq can be a 'bridge to the economies of the region'
Iraqi president charts new direction for Iraqi foreign policy based on "interrelated interests" at Sulaimani Forum; Iraq-Jordan trade deal should help address Jordan’s unemployment crisis; Rouhani arrives in Iraq to boost trade; US shifted arms from Iraq to Syria in second half of 2018.
Zarif’s stock rises with support from Soleimani
While Iran’s foreign minister carries the day against hard-liners, Israel hopes to exploit possible cracks in Tehran’s Syria policy.
Iraq-Jordan trade deal opens new doors for regional trade
A breakthrough trade agreement may signal new trend toward integration; Erdogan plays Syria card in Turkish elections; HTS undermines Turkish-backed groups in Idlib.
Assad and his creditors
How to get Iran out of Syria? Put sanctions on the table.
Erdogan: 'Nothing will stop us' if Syrian Kurds do not leave Manbij
Turkish president intensifies warnings as US exits Syria; Islamic Jihad bends Hamas to its will; Amberin Zaman reports on Tunisia’s returning jihadis.
GCC states boxed in by US sanctions on Syria
The United States creates dilemmas for GCC in Syria; Qatar steps up with $500 million Lebanon investment; Netanyahu seeks Arab photo-op in Poland.
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.
