Analysis
Since 2012, the Week in Review keeps you ahead of the curve with in-depth analysis of the trends in the region, based on Al-Monitor’s world class reporting.
Biden didn’t go to Turkey, and things aren’t okay with Erdogan
The Turkish president announces plans for another invasion of Syria, while digging in on rejecting admitting Sweden and Finland to NATO.
![Erdogan](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2022-05/GettyImages-1368449731.jpg?h=1d34674f&itok=btL3sI2y)
Erdogan’s high price for Sweden, Finland joining NATO
The Turkish president senses an opportunity to finally settle scores regarding perceived previous slights by NATO powers.
![US President Joe Biden (C) welcomes Finnish President Sauli Niinisto (L) and Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2022-05/GettyImages-1240765009.jpeg?h=a5ae579a&itok=LO4mhWqc)
Israel-Palestinian conflict back at center of Middle East agenda
The confrontations at Jerusalem’s holy sites, recent terror attacks inside Israel, the killing of Al Jazeera Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, a dire Palestnian economy and a more assertive Hamas have put the Palestinian question back at the core of the region’s many issues.
![Abu Akleh](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2022-05/GettyImages-1240640111.jpg?h=1d34674f&itok=ru9LzvwA)
Sinjar becomes latest flashpoint for Iran-Turkey tensions in Iraq
New Pentagon IG report says that the Turkey-PKK conflict and Iranian militias are contributing to instability in Iraq.
![PKK](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2022-05/GettyImages-921419202.jpg?h=1d34674f&itok=JiVEPELS)
US committed to UN truce and ‘better future’ for Yemen, says US envoy
In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Tim Lenderking, US special envoy for Yemen, says the United States can be counted on to continue its strong diplomatic effort in Yemen, but the core responsibilities for peace lie with the parties themselves.
![US Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2022-04/GettyImages-1239619241.jpeg?h=a5ae579a&itok=BJxAhyxf)
Hamas mulls opportunities, risks in Jerusalem violence
Egyptian mediation again in spotlight to prevent a repeat of Israel-Hamas war.
![Jordan protest](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2022-04/GettyImages-1240151078.jpg?h=1d34674f&itok=9D5ZQcwQ)
Israel wants to see improved US-Saudi relations in sign of changed Middle East
Israel's ambassador to the United States also addresses Palestinian political process; violence escalates at Jerusalem holy sites; Hamas focuses on West Bank and resistance dramas; Christian population of Jerusalem dwindles further.
![US President Joe Biden shakes hands with Michael Herzog, the Israeli ambassador to the United States, after the menorah lighting ceremony in celebration of Hanukkah in the East Room of the White House, Washington, Dec. 1, 2021.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2022-04/GettyImages-1356676578.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=BRPmL6e3)
Ukraine shockwaves reverberate in war-weary Syria
Russia is the common thread in Syria and Ukraine; Syrians feel ‘abandoned by the world;' Turkey seizes an opening; UN process stymied; and US stresses ‘accountability.'
![Syria Russia](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2022-04/GettyImages-1239661642.jpg?h=1d34674f&itok=ZYM-yuoo)
Fragile Israeli government tested by perfect storm of security threats
Also: Upcoming religious holidays heighten concerns of more violence, including by the Islamic State operating within Israel.
![An Israeli border policewoman is comforted as she mourns next to the grave of her killed colleague Shirel Aboukrat.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2022-04/GettyImages-1239572347.jpeg?h=a5ae579a&itok=yXhnZ_Jh)
Iraqi foreign minister says Iran nuclear deal in Iraq’s interest
Fuad Hussein, in an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, says Iraq continues to play a role in helping to facilitate dialogue, and de-escalating conflict, between Washington and Tehran.
![Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein attends a news conference with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in Brussels on Jan. 20, 2022.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2022-03/GettyImages-1237854871.jpg?h=1d34674f&itok=o_uxbWdJ)
Pagination
Netanyahu, regional leaders hedge on possible Trump win in November
The Israeli prime minister is under pressure to deliver on a cease-fire during his Washington visit next week; Biden can’t heal Democrat divisions over Israel and the Gaza war.
![JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2024-07/GettyImages-1230516369.jpg?h=1d34674f&itok=-Zxq4qmm)
Lebanon FM warns of 'devastating’ regional war if Israel escalates campaign against Hezbollah
In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Lebanon's top diplomat, Abdallah Bou Habib, adds that security in the south ultimately depends on a strong Lebanese army and an agreement on the border – not war.
![BERLIN, GERMANY - DECEMBER 15: Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdallah Bou Habib speaks to the media following talks with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on December 15, 2023 in Berlin, Germany. The two diplomats discussed mutual measures to prevent the current Palestinian-Israeli conflict from expanding to other regions, among other issues. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2024-07/GettyImages-1857491748.jpg?h=9855f42d&itok=rgoJZYYE)
US, Iran guarantors of shaky deterrence between Israel and Hezbollah
Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah is not ready to go to the mattresses over the killing of another senior commander on Wednesday, and Iran doesn't want a war while it favors the threat of confrontation as a deterrent.
![A portrait of Musa al-Sadr sits amid the rubble of a destroyed building in the heavily damaged, Hezbollah stronghold town of Aita al Chaab on June 29, 2024 in Aita al Chaab, Lebanon. Hezbollah and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been trading cross-border fire since the October 7 attacks, with the conflict escalating in May when the group launched a missile-carrying drone against Israel for the first time. The conflict intensified in June when Hezbollah fired hundreds of rockets and drones at Israeli m](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2024-07/GettyImages-2159834748.jpg?h=4296c093&itok=iuOsSvRF)
G42-Microsoft partnership in Kenya 'just the beginning,' says UAE trade minister
In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi discusses momentum in UAE trade with the US, the benefits of economic diversification and Africa’s priority in UAE trade policy.
![Indonesian President Joko Widodo (L) listens to a speech by United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi (R) during the inauguration of the newly built floating solar power plant on the water that can generate 192 mega watts of peak electricity in cooperation between the Indonesian government and Masdar from the UAE, at Cirata Reservoir, West Java, on November 9, 2023. (Photo by BAY ISMOYO / AFP) (Photo by BAY ISMOYO/AFP via Getty Images)](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2024-06/GettyImages-1771551969.jpg?h=1dfc45c8&itok=YsgRPZu4)