Pentagon: Islamic State will survive leader’s death The death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi will not extinguish the Islamic State’s ideology, US Central Command said, even as the Pentagon keeps up pressure to thin out the group's leadership with raids in Syria. Syria
The Takeaway: October 30, 2019 Highlights: ‘Kick queen’ brings spotlight to women in Lebanon protests; Putin keeps Erdogan on road to Damascus; GCC official says attack on Saudi Arabia “like our Pearl Harbor”; Kim Kardashian — Armenia’s secret weapon … and more! Originals
As Syria constitution talks kick off, is Kurdish administration 'finished'? As representatives from Syria's government, opposition and civil society meet in Geneva to draft a new constitution for the war-torn country, Al-Monitor spoke with French academic Fabrice Balanche on prospects for the talks. Iraq
Psychologists build bonds between Turks, Syrians even as refugee sentiment sours Turkey may be pushing for the return of refugees to Syria, but their advocates are still working to create ties between children, preparing for what is likely to be a much longer stay. Syria
Iran worried by Lebanon 'vacuum' after Hariri resignation The political uncertainty arising from the resignation of Lebanon's prime minister is sparking worries in Iran, which maintains key interests in the tiny but strategic Arab country. Lebanon
Netanyahu’s Israel: Safe-haven for criminals Israel’s ill repute for political corruption has an additional aspect: Capitalizing on their Jewish origins, criminals from other countries are finding a safe haven in Israel from law enforcement authorities abroad who prefer these criminals remain in Israel. Israel
How to protect judges who would preside in Netanyahu case Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been loudly claiming that the police, the state prosecution and the attorney general have been persecuting him; he likely would try to undermine and even attack his judges if and when brought to trial. Israel
Israel's far right advances conspiracy theory on Rabin’s murder The statement by professor Mordechai Kedar about Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin not being assassinated by Yigal Amir should sound the alarm over the radicalization of the Israeli right wing and the proliferation of conspiracy theories. Israel
Clock ticks down for Iraqi PM as protests rock the country The blocs that put Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi in office seem to be sacrificing him to save their political interests. Iraq
What's next for Lebanon after PM's resignation? Lebanon’s prime minister has resigned after almost two weeks of anti-government protests and a day of violence in the country mired in economic crisis. Lebanon
Dangers persist as Iraqi border crossing opens and IDPs return Recent geopolitical shifts in eastern Syria will affect western Anbar, given the porous Iraqi-Syrian border, the recently reopened Qaim-Abu Kamal crossing and scores of returning families. Iraq
Witnesses describe night of Baghdadi's death Residents of the village where Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was staying spoke to Al-Monitor about what happened on the night of his assassination. Syria
Why Palestinian businessmen will visit Russia As part of efforts to achieve economic disengagement from Israel and find new markets, a Palestinian delegation will visit Russia in November with the goal of boosting bilateral trade. Palestine
Palestinians up in arms over PA and Facebook censorship Palestinian Authority security forces in Ramallah were behind Magistrate Court's decision to block websites and social media pages. Palestine
Russia to mediate deal between Syrian Kurds and Damascus With the Syrian Democratic Forces having handed over control of the Syrian-Turkish border to Damascus, the Kurds say Russia has promised to mediate a new round of negotiations between them and Bashar al-Assad's regime. Syria