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.
Russia, Turkey stay close despite differences in Syria
Turkey depends on Russia for civilian nuclear power plant.
If Trump will meet with Kim, why not Rouhani?
The White House could signal to Saudi leader Mohammed bin Salman that the time has come to give diplomacy a chance to end the wars in Yemen and Syria.
Iraqi Kurdistan’s not so friendly skies opening again soon
Baghdad to formally take charge of Kurdistan Region airports and borders; shift in Syria strategy by Moscow may follow Russian presidential election; Jordan’s king and Turkish president find common ground.
How could Bibi lose by offering 'ultimate deal' with Iran?
Israel Pulse columnist Akiva Eldar calls for direct Iran-Israel talks; Ali Akbar Velayati opposes Sadr-Communist bloc; Has Islamic State returned to Hawija?
Satterfield’s shuttle diplomacy may offer diplomatic opening for Syria
Is there more to the talks about Block 9? Success of UN Security Council cease-fire depends on definition of "terrorist."
Turkey’s assault adds to 'climate of repression and decline' in northern Syria
Iran tries to broker deal between Ankara and Damascus to contain fighting over Syrian Kurds.
Despite defeat of IS, Syria war risks major power conflict
The United States and Russia should abandon "proxy wars" and back a new UN Security Council resolution for a regional peace conference.
Sochi conference casualty of Turkey’s military offensive in Syria
Syrian opposition meeting reveals extent — and limits — of Russian-Turkish collaboration.
Is US bailing on Syrian Kurds?
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ignores appeals for restraint in northern Syria, appears to have gotten Washington to end support for the YPG.
Turkey upends US Syria strategy with attack on YPG
Ankara seeks green light from Moscow, not Washington, in attack on US partner; UN warns of consequences of continued fighting in Eastern Ghouta and Idlib; local council in Aleppo confiscates land of Islamic State families.
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.
