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.
Is Israel going easy on Hamas?
Israel plays it safe in Gaza while giving priority to its northern border; Hamas looking for a friend in Moscow; Israel’s nuclear ambiguity.
Turkey’s Kurdish policies provoke backlash everywhere
The US-Turkish deal on Manbij sparks a Damascus opening to Syrian Kurds; Iran scolds Turkey on PKK operations in Syria; the HDP faces violence and an “uneven” playing field in elections; Iran is caught in the middle between Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Iran coy on support for Turkish assault on PKK in Iraq
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s offensive appears linked to Turkish elections and Iraqi politics; Is Turkey staying or going in northern Syria? Putin and Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri discuss Syrian refugees.
Israel squeezes Abu Mazen as West Bank simmers in solidarity with Gaza, Jordan protests
Hamas seeks to seize opening to expand protests to the West Bank; Crest Media announces partnership with North Base Media to manage Al-Monitor.
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.
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.
