In Iran, hardliners successfully orchestrate takeover of state TV Iran's state TV has been taken over by hard-line figures who use it to transmit ideological and hard-line views targeting the Reformists and opposition, including in entertainment shows. Iran
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. Syria
Leak reveals how Russia-Iran alignment could shift Israel’s support for Ukraine A top-secret US intelligence document confirms Al-Monitor's prior reporting and suggests Israeli officials have been pressing the Biden administration for more support for operations against Iran. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Oil flow from Iraqi Kurdistan to Turkey remains stopped, threatening sector Oil flows to Turkey remain frozen following the agreement between Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government. The impasse could hurt the autonomous region’s oil sector and revenue. Turkey
US citizen sues Syria over torture amid regional embrace of Assad Obada Mzaik filed a federal lawsuit against the Syrian government over torture he says he endured during his three-week detention in 2012. Syria
Analysis Why is trade between Algeria and Spain still at a standstill? Since last June, the two countries have severed business and trade relations over Spain's support of Morocco's claim to the contested Western Sahara. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
US officials visit Saudi Arabia as relations improve, yet tensions remain The US and Saudi Arabia are in disagreement on oil, Syria and other matters, but the Biden administration has shifted to a friendlier approach to the kingdom. Gulf
Analysis Ball now in Tunisia's court regarding $1.9bn IMF bailout Officials from the IMF, the World Bank and Italy have all commented on the proposed bailout package this week as a Tunisian delegation joins the spring meeting of the multilateral institutions in Washington. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Jordan proposes Syria peace plan during Arab FM Saudi meeting The plan includes steps to tackle the refugee crisis and smuggling across borders. Jordan
Northeast Syria announces Captagon bust following Syrian FM's Saudi visit Syria and Saudi Arabia recently pledged to work together on combating drug trafficking. Gulf
Saudi Arabia opens four special economic zones with eye on foreign investment The special economic zones offer incentives such as competitive corporate tax rates, 100% ownership of companies and flexibility in employing foreign labor. Gulf
