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Fighters with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) inspect damaged and abandoned military vehicles and equipment at the Qamishli international airport, formerly a joint Syrian-russian military base, in northeastern Syria's city of Qamishli on Dec. 9, 2024.

Exclusive

Syria’s Kurds withdraw from Manbij following US ultimatum

The ultimatum came as the militants failed to comply with an agreement brokered by the United States to pull out of the city in exchange for assurances that Turkey and its SNA allies would not attack the SDF east of the river.

Amberin Zaman

Jared Szuba

מאת Amberin Zaman , Jared Szuba

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Ankara, on Dec. 11.

Turkey says Ethiopia, Somalia reach deal to end Somaliland dispute

The Turkish-mediated progress came as the three countries' leaders met in Ankara.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - DECEMBER 11: A drone show is seen displaying the words "Welcome to Saudi 34" as Saudi Arabia is announced as the host nation for the FIFA World Cup 2034 on December 11, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Christophe Viseux/Getty Images for Saudi Arabian Football Federation)

Saudi Arabia wins bid to host 2034 FIFA World Cup: What we know

Saudi Arabia has poured billions into developing sporting infrastructure and buying up top global football talent as part of its Vision 2030 diversification strategy.

Mohamed Bashir, who heads HTS's so-called Salvation Government, holds a press conference in the rebel-held northwestern Syrian city of Idlib on Nov. 28, 2024.

Who is who in Syria’s first interim government after Assad's fall

HTS and its government arm have installed a new interim prime minister and cabinet in Damascus. Who are they?

CEO of Colony Capital Tom Barrack speaks on the last day of the Republican National Convention, on July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Analysis

Tom Barrack, Trump's pick for Turkey ambassador, is good news for Erdogan

The US billionaire's close ties with the president-elect and a portfolio in dealmaking could provide room for improvement in Ankara-Washington ties, according to experts.

Ezgi Akin

מאת Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Latest News

Qatar to reopen embassy in Syria after 13 years

LOUAI BESHARA/AFP via Getty Images

Syria's interim PM warns foreign currency shortage could hinder refugee return

Syrian pounds are pictured at a currency exchange shop in the town of Sarmada in Syria's northwestern Idlib province, on June 15, 2020.

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Analysis

Iran pursues wait-and-see approach in Syria as it copes with Assad's downfall

TOPSHOT - An aerial picture shows members of Syria's White Helmets civil defence service clearing vehicle carcasses and rubble from a street in Aleppo on December 5, 2024. Islamist-led rebels captured the central Syrian city of Hama on December 5, days after seizing the country's commercial hub Aleppo in a lightning offensive against President Bashar al-Assad's forces. (Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR / AFP) (Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images)

A correspondent in Tehran

מאת A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Meet Brian Mast, firebrand Israel ally tapped to chair House Foreign Affairs Committee

Rep. Brian Mast speaks on stage on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

A burned-out helicopter at the Mazzeh air base outside Damascus following Israeli air strikes

Former prisoner revisits Syrian airbase ordeal

Agence France-Presse

The shrine of Sayyida Zeinab, believed to hold the grave of the granddaughter of the Islamic Prophet Mohammed, in south Damascus

Once a pro-Iran bastion, Damascus shrine district now in rebel hands

Agence France-Presse

Ireland's President Michael Higgins welcomes Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Dublin

Egypt's Sisi discusses Gaza 'suffering' on Dublin visit

Agence France-Presse

The General Assembly often finds itself taking up measures that cannot get through the Security Council

UN General Assembly calls for 'unconditional' Gaza ceasefire

Agence France-Presse

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How does US view the rebel advance in Syria?

Adam Lucente interviews Elizabeth Hagedorn & Jared Szuba

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Amberin Fabrice

On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

How Turkey is playing with fire in Syria with its backing of new anti-Assad offensive

Amberin Zaman interviews Fabrice Balanche

26:24

Jim Jeffrey

On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

What will Middle East policy look like under the new Trump administration?

Amberin Zaman interviews Jim Jeffrey

ALM Interviews

Exclusive conversations with Al-Monitor.

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Interview

התחזית של אולמרט: ישראל תלך לבחירות שלישיות

Interview

איראן שלחה הודעות בערוץ האחורי של ארה"ב על סיכון למלחמה אזורית רחבה יותר, אומר שר החוץ

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian

Foreign Minister of Iran

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian listens to a question during a press conference with his Saudi counterpart (not pictured) in Tehran, on June 17, 2023.

ALM Memos

Executive briefs that lay out scenarios on key issues.

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This picture taken on December 18, 2018 shows a view of electricity transmission towers in the Saudi capital Riyadh. (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE / AFP) (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia's electricity sector to see significant transformation by 2030

Gerald Kepes

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy trends

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 30: A container ship departs the Port of Newark for the Atlantic Ocean on September 30, 2024 seen from New York City. A massive strike that could shut down ports across the East and Gulf coasts could begin at midnight as members of the International Longshoremen’s Association continue to make salary and other demands to the United States Maritime Alliance, which controls many of the ports across the country. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Red Sea, Iran energy threats amplify 2025 global economic risks as trade wars, Trump loom

Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Cars drive along a street in front of high-rise buildings in Dubai, on February 18, 2023. - Home to towering skyscrapers and ultra-luxury villas, Dubai saw record real estate transactions in 2022, largely due to an influx of wealthy investors, especially from Russia. (Photo by Karim SAHIB / AFP) (Photo by KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images)

UAE aims to attract family offices to boost stature as wealth hub

Sebastian Castelier

Sebastian Castelier

In Dubai, reporting on regional business

Analysis

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

השב"כ נדיר, מפגש פלסטיני כאשר החשש מפני מתיחות הרמדאן גובר

AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images

Rina Bassist

מאת Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Analysis

ראש ההגנה של צרפת דוחק ל-3 שערים בביקור ישראל

Shahar Yorman/Israeli Defense Ministry

Rina Bassist

מאת Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Analysis

האם ארה"ב יכולה ללחוץ על נתניהו לקבל את המדינה הפלסטינית לנורמליזציה ישראל-סעודית?

US President Joe Biden shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as they meet on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York City on Sept. 20, 2023.

מאת Ben Caspit

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

Analysis

מה עומד מאחורי שלל התקפות דאעש באירופה?

Adam Lucente

Rosaleen Carroll

מאת Adam Lucente , Rosaleen Carroll

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addresses media after a visit at the site of a knife attack in Solingen, Western Germany, on August 26, 2024.

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In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics

רשא אבו ג'לאל

In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict