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.
Trump missing piece in Putin’s Syria plan
The Russian president needs the United States to stabilize Syria, but expects sanctions relief in return.
New Iraqi government will again require Iranian blessing
While Iran may not be the winner in Iraq’s election, it will likely remain the final broker.
What did Putin mean by withdrawing 'foreign armed forces' from Syria?
Netanyahu leaves his troubles behind.
Putin’s stock rises as 'go-to' mediator between Israel, Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have given Russian president advance notice of attack on Syria; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labels United States as loser in decision to withdraw from Iran nuclear deal.
Netanyahu banks on escalation with Iran
The Israeli prime minister expects political windfall from revealing "an open secret" about Iran’s past nuclear program.
Will Russia provide the 'new Kissinger' for Iran-Israel diplomacy?
Moscow works back channels between Tehran and Jerusalem; hard-line Saudi stance toward Iran adheres to Wahhabi line favored by conservative clerics.
How long can Saudi Arabia ignore Gaza protests?
Saudi king clarifies approach to Jerusalem, but Arab League statement silent on the Gaza Strip; Will Macron and Merkel use North Korea as blueprint for US approach to JCPOA?
After missile strikes, Trump resumes exit strategy for Syria
"No amount of American blood or treasure can produce lasting peace and security in the Middle East," Trump says.
Putin, Erdogan, Rouhani extend circle of trust in Syria
As the Astana process seizes the initiative on Syria, the United States could put Israel-Lebanon shuttle diplomacy to the test on Hezbollah.
Israeli defense official threatened owners of Gaza bus companies in days before protest
Hamas-backed demonstrations reflect Palestinian political crisis, despair of Gaza’s economic conditions and collapse of peace process.
Zaidi’s test in Tehran
Less than 24 hours after Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi returned from Tehran on Thursday, Iraqi Kurdistan again came under attack.
Five explosive drones were intercepted over Erbil by US-led coalition air defenses, triggering explosions and smoke near the airport that hosts coalition forces and sits adjacent to the US consulate. While Iraq’s Kurdistan region is no stranger to attacks by Iran and its proxies, the timing was hard to ignore. For Tehran, despite the arrival of a new Iraqi prime minister promising a different path, it appears to be business as usual.
US banking on Iraqi turnaround with nomination of Zaidi as new PM
Trump signals hope for a "tremendous new chapter” in US-Iraq ties with the nomination of Ali Al-Zaidi as prime minister.
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.
