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.
Iran-Iraq agreement about more than borders
Tehran reinforces position in Iraq with border deal; Syria heats up despite Arab rapprochement; Iraq-Turkey manage differences on water, oil and PKK.
'You don’t solve issues by running away,' says Iraq's KRG PM
Masrour Barzani, in an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, discusses the dispute with the rival PUK party; relations with the US and Iraq; China; and the KRG’s ambitious economic reform and climate policies.
China leaps into Saudi-Iran diplomacy as nuclear talks move
Iranian official says next move on prisoner exchange depends on US.
IAEA’s visit to Iran could set stage for diplomacy or conflict
If diplomacy falters again, the US and Israel are talking about further military collaboration against Iran, while the Islamic Republic itself sends mixed signals about its intentions in the region.
Iran floats adherence to NPT, dialogue on Ukraine as JCPOA fades
Iranian officials say a nuclear deal is still possible, but US says it’s up to Tehran.
UAE diplomacy guides response to Syrian, Palestinian crises
UAE steps up on Syria in wake of earthquake; Netanyahu settlement threat is déjà vu for Abu Dhabi.
Earthquake could shake up Turkish election
Democracies face more pressure than dictatorships after natural disasters; Assad is content to continue rule amidst the ruins.
Netanyahu counts Iran, Sudan as wins following Blinken visit
And Iraq worries about getting caught, again, in US-Israel-Iran crossfire.
Netanyahu more worried about Israel's protests than Palestinians
The Israeli prime minister will receive US Secretary of State Antony Blinken as violence escalates, normalization stalls, and the economy tanks in anticipation of right-wing reforms.
Turkey's Erdogan shows no give on Sweden’s NATO bid
The hope is that the Turkish president will deal on NATO, Sweden and Syria after May 14 elections; Turkey-Syria talks unsettle refugees; Could jihadists make a comeback in Europe?
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.
