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.
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.
Is China playing long game against dollar in Middle East?
Chinese spokesperson says "the internationalization of the [yuan] is a natural process, and the goal is not to replace the dollar or other international currencies."
In Syria, Arab engagement with Assad may fall short
The Biden administration’s realism on Syria frustrates critics, as the country becomes the site of Israeli attacks and US-Iran clashes.
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.
Lebanon FM warns of 'devastating’ regional war if Israel escalates campaign against Hezbollah
In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Lebanon's top diplomat, Abdallah Bou Habib, adds that security in the south ultimately depends on a strong Lebanese army and an agreement on the border – not war.
US, Iran guarantors of shaky deterrence between Israel and Hezbollah
Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah is not ready to go to the mattresses over the killing of another senior commander on Wednesday, and Iran doesn't want a war while it favors the threat of confrontation as a deterrent.
