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A ferry passes a Turkish Navy submarine navigating the Bosphorus on Sept. 27, 2024, in Istanbul, Turkey.

Analysis

How Turkey’s nuclear submarine bid is a game changer for its naval strategy

Time, costs and international politics, not technological expertise, will be Turkey’s main challenge in reaching its aspirations for a nuclear-powered navy.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks as Vice President JD Vance (R) and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff (C) embrace, during the swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office at the White House on May 06, 2025 in Washington, DC. Witkoff provided an update on the Houthi conflict in the Middle East. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

US ‘encouraged’ by latest Iran nuclear talks ahead of Trump's Gulf visit

After three hours of talks in Oman on Sunday, the two sides agreed to meet again to work through the technicalities of a potential deal.

Iran

Commuters drive past a newly-installed billboard bearing the image of a Lebanese flag and a statement that reads in Arabic "Lebanon a new era", replacing a Hezbollah billboard, on the road leading to Beirut's Rafic Hariri International airport on April 10, 2025. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH EID/AFP via Getty Images)

Lebanon's first municipal elections in nearly 10 years: What to expect

The elections come amid seemingly shifting political dynamics in the country after the Israel-Hezbollah 13-month war that ended late last November.

Lebanon

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Saudi Arabia's crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, in the Oval Office of the White House on March 20, 2018.

Analysis

Will Trump's push for Gulf investment align with regional economic realities?

During his May 13-16 trip, Trump aims to unveil trillions of dollars in Gulf investment and trade commitments in the United States.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

This general view shows the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in Guba, Ethiopia, on Feb. 19, 2022.

Analysis

Against Ethiopia, Egypt courts East African states over Nile dam dispute

Tensions over a wide range of issues, including Ethiopia’s ambitions for Red Sea access, are likely to worsen the dispute with Egypt over Addis Ababa’s controversial dam on the Nile River.

By Jonathan Fenton-Harvey

In London, reporting on North Africa and Gulf politics

Latest News

Analysis

Why Trump agreed to ceasefire with Houthis that ignores Israel, root causes

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 06: U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during a swearing-in ceremony for Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff in the Oval Office at the White House on May 06, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump provided an update on the Houthi conflict in the Middle East. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Analysis

Iran's counterbalancing act: Araghchi in Saudi Arabia ahead of Trump tour

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks to AFP during an interview at the Iranian consulate in Jeddah on March 7, 2025.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Exclusive

Skepticism shrouds Syria-Israel indirect talks with bets on Sharaa

Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa upon arriving for a meeting at the Elysee presidential palace, Paris, May 7, 2025.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Egypt’s Sisi in Russia, meets Putin after military parade: What to know

Egypt

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The Al-Mosawah hospital in Jordan, run by medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF), provides reconstructive surgery to youngsters maimed or disfigured in conflicts across the Middle East.

Jordan hospital treats war casualties from across Middle East

Agence France-Presse

Eric Trump recently signed a luxury real estate deal for the Trump Organization in Doha

As Trump family's Gulf empire grows, rulers seek influence, arms, tech

Agence France-Presse

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks to the reporters at the Muscat International Book Fair ahead of nuclear talks with US officials

Iran says nuclear talks 'difficult but useful', US 'encouraged'

Agence France-Presse

In the hours after her death, young Palestinians described Shireen Abu Akleh as an inspiration, especially to women, many of whom were motivated to pursue journalism because of her

Film claims to name killer of slain journalist Shireen Abu Akleh

Agence France-Presse

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The Al-Monitor Brief

Why is Turkey seeking nuclear submarines for its navy?

Adam Lucente interviews Barin Kayaoglu

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On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

How power is reshaping Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa & why he’s not ‘a Turkish puppet’

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The Al-Monitor Brief

Trump strikes deal with Yemen’s Houthis: implications for Israel, Iran and the region

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ALM Interviews

Exclusive conversations with Al-Monitor.

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Interview

Ayalon: Netanyahu firing Shin Bet chief to shield inner circle from Qatar probe

Ami Ayalon, a candidate for the Israeli Labor Party leadership, arrives to vote in the second and decisive round of party primaries on June 12, 2007, in Geva Carmel, northern Israel.

Interview

Syria's Kurds to demand federalism in tactical push for decentralization

Mohammed Ismail

President of the Kurdistan National Council

Interview

Israel's renewed Gaza strikes put last living US hostage at risk, family warns

Adi Alexander (C), father of Edan Alexander, attends a US House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia roundtable with family members of individuals being held hostage by Hamas, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on Nov. 29, 2023.

Interview

Qatar’s digital future offers opportunities in AI, energy, says head of US-Qatar Business Council

Sheikha Mayes Al Thani

Managing Director, US-Qatar Business Council

Analysis

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

Will Trump's push for Gulf investment align with regional economic realities?

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Analysis

Against Ethiopia, Egypt courts East African states over Nile dam dispute

By Jonathan Fenton-Harvey

In London, reporting on North Africa and Gulf politics

Analysis

Iran's counterbalancing act: Araghchi in Saudi Arabia ahead of Trump tour

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Analysis

How Turkey’s nuclear submarine bid is a game changer for its naval strategy

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

ALM Events

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Past Live Journalism

AI, innovation & global growth: Dr. Marwan Al-Zarouni & Dr. Alaa Murabit speak at event in Washington

Al-Monitor Global Institute hosted Dr. Marwan Al-Zarouni, chief AI officer at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and CEO of the Dubai Blockchain Center, alongside Dr. Alaa Murabit, senior advisor at 500 Global, for a high-level conversation on how AI is accelerating innovation and transforming global economic development.

Washington, DC

April 23, 2025 16:00 EDT

Past Live Journalism

UAE presidential advisor HE Dr. Anwar Gargash speaks at AL-Monitor event during UNGA

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York City, AL-Monitor hosted HE Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the UAE, for an off-the-record dinner and discussion at Le Jardinier of the Bastion Collection. The event was attended by thought and business leaders as well as former officials.

New York City, NY

September 26, 2024 18:00 EDT

Past Live Journalism

Iraq PM Sudani speaks at AL-Monitor/US Chamber of Commerce event during UNGA

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.

New York City, NY

September 25, 2024 18:00 EDT

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