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Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert speaks during a briefing on US President Donald Trump's Mideast peace plan on February 11, 2020 in New York. Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas told the UN Security Council that the world should reject President Donald Trump's Middle East plan, which he said would limit Palestinian sovereignty in a "Swiss cheese" deal. "We reject the Israeli-American plan," which "throws into question the legitimate rights of the Palestinians," Abbas said, brandishing a large map of

Interview

In break with Netanyahu, Olmert urges Israel to recognize Syria’s Sharaa, open dialogue

Former Israeli Premier Ehud Olmert believes Israel should recognize the legitimacy of the Syrian interim administration, telling Al-Monitor in an interview that he believes that the two countries should open dialogue.

US President Donald Trump (L) and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) pose for the family photo at the NATO summit at the Grove hotel in Watford, northeast of London on Dec. 4, 2019.

Turkey's Erdogan discusses Russia-Ukraine war, Syria in first official call with Trump

In their first official call since Trump's return to office, the pair discussed efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in Syria, and lifting US sanctions on Turkey.

Turkey

United Arab Emirates' President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is welcomed by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni upon arrival at the Borgo Egnazia resort for the G7 Summit hosted by Italy in Apulia region, on June 14, 2024 in Savelletri. Leaders of the G7 wealthy nations gather in southern Italy this week against the backdrop of global and political turmoil, with boosting support for Ukraine top of the agenda. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP) (Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

How Italy’s defense deals with UAE, Turkey signal shift in Europe’s industry

Key defense partnerships strengthen Italy’s position as a leading arms supplier to the Middle East while highlighting broader shifts in how European defense industries adapt to a changing global arms market.

By Francesco Schiavi

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

A US Central Command (CENTCOM) photgraph shows forces launching strikes against Huthi targets in Yemen

US strikes in Yemen kill 31 as Trump vows to end Huthi attacks

Agence France-Presse

Analysis

US stock plunge poses dilemmas for Gulf investors while exposing PIF, Mubadala risks

Middle East investors are bracing for steep losses and questioning about their long-term investments in America amid a drop in the US stock market.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Latest News

Analysis

As Gargash delivers Trump letter, can UAE play mediator role on Iran?

Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani meets with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed on March 16,2023. — UAE Presidency

By Jonathan Fenton-Harvey

In London, reporting on North Africa and Gulf politics

Analysis

What Mahmoud Khalil’s ICE arrest means for green card holders, free speech

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Analysis

Hezbollah’s shadow looms over Israel-Lebanon border talks: What to know

Lebanese army soldiers stand behind barbed wire fence demarcating the Blue Line, near the village of Kfar Shuba, southern Lebanon, June 11, 2023.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Analysis

Iran nuclear crisis: China and Russia advocate talks, but are they seeking solutions?

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi (C) welcomes Russia's deputy foreign minister, Sergey Ryabkov (L), and Iran's deputy foreign minister, Kazeem Gharibabadi, before a meeting regarding the Iranian nuclear issue on March 14, 2025.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

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Shin Bet agency chief Ronen Bar's ties with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were strained even before the Hamas attack

Israel's Netanyahu seeks to fire internal security agency chief

Agence France-Presse

US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz (C) and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (R) are seen at a White House meeting with President Donald Trump on March 13, 2025

US vows 'unrelenting' campaign to halt Huthi ship attacks

Agence France-Presse

US Navy F/A-18 fighter aircraft operate on an aircraft carrier at sea reportedly during operations against Yemen Huthi rebels

Iran-backed Yemen rebels say attacked US carrier after air strikes

Agence France-Presse

A plume of smoke billows during a US strike on Yemen's Huthi-held capital Sanaa

'Most scared I've been': US strikes sow panic in rebel-held Yemen

Agence France-Presse

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The Al-Monitor Brief

What’s behind Saudi, UAE interest in mediating Ukraine war?

Adam Lucente interviews Jennifer Gnana

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On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

French academic Fabrice Balanche: Syria's Islamist leader wants to make example of Alawites

Amberin Zaman interviews Fabrice Balanche

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The Al-Monitor Brief

The FutureVerse: How US economy, China are affecting Gulf's AI sector

Adam Lucente interviews Sam Wendel

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ALM Interviews

Exclusive conversations with Al-Monitor.

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Interview

As AI superpowers clash, Saudi tech diplomat pushes collaboration over competition

Deemah AlYahya

Secretary General, Digital Cooperation Organization

Interview

Amid Israel's rightward shift, left struggles for relevance

Yair Golan

Chair of the Democrats Party

Interview

Qatar banks on Trump's help to sustain Gaza ceasefire

Majed al-Ansari

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson

Interview

In break with Netanyahu, Olmert urges Israel to recognize Syria’s Sharaa, open dialogue

Analysis

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

How Italy’s defense deals with UAE, Turkey signal shift in Europe’s industry

By Francesco Schiavi

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

Analysis

Hezbollah’s shadow looms over Israel-Lebanon border talks: What to know

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Analysis

What Mahmoud Khalil’s ICE arrest means for green card holders, free speech

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Analysis

US stock plunge poses dilemmas for Gulf investors while exposing PIF, Mubadala risks

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

ALM Events

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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

Past Live Journalism

Salon conversation with Turkey's Ambassador to the US Sedat Önal

AL-Monitor hosted the ambassador of Turkey to the United States, Sedat Önal, for an off-the-record discussion on a wide range of topics such as Turkey-US relations, the Gaza war and Turkey's military intervention in Syria. The event was attended by guests from media, private business, and government.

Washington, DC

September 12, 2024 16:00 EDT

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