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.
US détente with Iran combines diplomacy, deterrence
Also: Iran seeks to do just enough to comply with IAEA safeguards, while avoiding snapback sanctions over missiles and drones.
Blinken, Saudi FM back away from ‘zero sum’ approach to China
The US secretary of state advanced a reset in Saudi policy in his visit to the kingdom, as nuclear negotiations may define a new phase of energy and security ties.
Israel alarmed by IAEA report, possible US backchannel diplomacy with Iran
Also: IAEA report hints at Iran’s post-JCPOA nuclear posture; Gulf uncertainty over US policy; Omani diplomacy back in spotlight.
Turkey’s Kilicdaroglu scapegoats Syrian refugees in bid to defeat Erdogan
Opposition leader sides with hard-liners advocating expulsion in last-ditch effort to unseat Erdogan in election that should turn on economy.
Biden gives priority to Israel-Saudi normalization
All three parties want a deal, and 2024 is an election year; Syrian Kurdish leader expects little from Arab League normalization with Syria.
Iraqi FM expects continuity in ties with Turkey, no matter who wins election
Fuad Hussein says TotalEnergies deal “would change character of Iraqi economy,” discusses relations with the United States, Iran, Syria and Arab states.
Assad will demand high price for return of refugees
Arab League at risk of getting caught between US and Syria over sanctions policy.
Earthquake, refugees, Assad may be keys to Turkey's election
Also, new era of Iran-Gulf cooperation could spill over into energy (PRO).
Can diplomacy end the fighting in Sudan?
Even if the country is too big to fail, observers see challenges in restoring peace before the unrest spreads to neighboring countries.
Arab initiative offers best chance for Syria in years
The Saudi-brokered meeting and Jordanian road map could boost the long stalled Syrian political process; Turkey is still key to settlement; Assad also has his cards to play.
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.
