Fatah wants Hamas to join PLO: Official Fatah and Hamas will resume their reconciliation talks in China soon, but disagreements remain between the two groups. Palestine
Lebanon's resistance through culture: Return of Beirut’s Metropolis Cinema As Beirut continues to navigate its path toward recovery, Metropolis Cinema stands as a symbol of the enduring power of art and culture to resist, unite and inspire. Lebanon
Will China's support help UAE in dispute with Iran over Hormuz islands? China's support for the UAE may have angered Tehran but it shows how Beijing views its priorities and strategic depth in Gulf region. Iran
US welcomes Turkey’s signing $23 billion F-16 jets deal Turkey's inking of the deal indicates that Ankara and Washington have agreed on the terms of the purchase and see an opportunity in exploring other avenues. Turkey
Syrian Kurds postpone local elections amid US disapproval, Turkish threats The prevailing consensus is that the Biden administration’s opposition was the main driver of the postponement. Syria
The Al-Monitor Brief Why did the US join its EU partners in censuring Iran? Kristen Talman interviews Kelsey Davenport
Cautious optimism in Gaza, Israel as US makes last-ditch cease-fire push As the United States presses for a cease-fire, Al-Monitor spoke with two Americans — one displaced in Gaza and another whose uncle is being held hostage there — about the deal on the table. Israel
OPEC chief defends oil cut phase-out plans despite bearish market The markets reacted bearishly OPEC+'s Sunday output decision, worrying it could lead to oversupply later in 2024 despite slow demand growth. United Arab Emirates
US sanctions Palestinian Lion's Den armed group in West Bank The group emerged in 2022 amid an uptick of violence between Palestinians and settlers in Nablus Israel
Israeli military 'set and ready' if attack ordered against Lebanon's Hezbollah The Israeli military has finished preparations for the government's orders to respond to Hezbollah's drone and rocket fire with an all-out attack. Israel