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.
Sudan takes center stage in US regional strategy
Khartoum gets a boost this week from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund as US Sudan envoy tours the region; the latest Nile dam talks kick off in Kinshasa, Congo, on Saturday.
![Egyptian and Sudanese military officials](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2021-04/GettyImages-1231470814.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=eINupGYv)
Once again, Netanyahu could win with a draw
Facing a corruption indictment and seemingly boxed in, Netanyahu is still standing.
![Netanyahu](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2021-03/GettyImages-1231895396.jpg?h=f15b89ee&itok=NS3L0uar)
Erdogan makes urgent appeal to West on grim 10-year mark of Syria’s war
Ankara desperately needs options to get out of the Syria quagmire, but the Turkish president's offer is likely to fall flat with the Biden administration.
![A girl holds a Syrian opposition flag during a demonstration in the village of Atme in Idlib.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2021-03/GettyImages-1231730818.jpg?h=4e2ee7b6&itok=TuLRlgAl)
A thaw in Turkey’s relations with Egypt?
Gulf Cooperation Council reconciliation may have set in motion Ankara’s desire for a reset with Cairo.
![GettyImages-1221664584.jpg](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2021/03/GettyImages-1221664584.jpg/GettyImages-1221664584.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=NpIlMb08)
Biden administration's textbook approach to Iran may be paying off
The United States builds consensus with European Union partners first, while bolstering deterrence; Rezai says Iran willing to talk if US sends 'clear signal' on sanctions; Rouhani’s missing coattails in Iran’s June elections.
![NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25 : The President of Iran Hassan Rouhani shakes hands with UN Secretary-General António Guterres during the United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations on September 25, 2019 in New York City. The United Nations General Assembly, or UNGA, is expected to attract over 90 heads of state in New York City for a week of speeches, talks and high level diplomacy concerning global issues (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2021/03/GettyImages-1171045829.jpg/GettyImages-1171045829.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=Z04WBC68)
Biden administration shouldn’t stop with Yemen
The United States can also play a key role in diplomacy to end wars in Syria and Libya.
![Saudi-backed government troops repel a Huthi rebel offensive on oil-rich Marib, some 120 kilometres (75 miles) east of Yemen's rebel-held capital Sanaa, on February 14, 2021. - The UNs humanitarian chief said he was "very alarmed" by a Huthi rebel assault on the Yemeni governments last northern stronghold of Marib, saying it could endanger millions of civilians. (Photo by - / AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2021/02/GettyImages-1231196488.jpg/GettyImages-1231196488.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=haviLota)
Can Turkey fit into the Biden administration’s Syria policy?
The gnarliest problem: Pentagon report says Syrian, Iranian proxies are "most significant" threats to US mission, but the Islamic State isn’t dead yet, and Turkey and the United States still disagree on the Kurds.
![GettyImages-1231257270.jpg](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2021/02/GettyImages-1231257270.jpg/GettyImages-1231257270.jpg?h=f15b89ee&itok=vyOnocF_)
Will Russia and Turkey withdraw their proxies from Libya?
The UN delivers a potentially game-changing win for diplomacy, but the United States wants Russian and Turkish mercenaries out of Libya.
![GettyImages-1200816779.jpg](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2021/02/GettyImages-1200816779.jpg/GettyImages-1200816779.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=DVmhM2rn)
Syrian Kurds hoping for lifeline from Biden administration
Damascus, Ankara and Moscow turn up the heat on US-backed group; UN Syria envoy says, "We can’t continue like this."
![GettyImages-1230855785.jpg](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2021/02/GettyImages-1230855785.jpg/GettyImages-1230855785.jpg?h=1d34674f&itok=uw8xzNwy)
Post-COVID Mideast economies look to the Gulf and Egypt
The region took a hard hit from the pandemic, and it’s far from over, but Egypt and Saudi Arabia are managing better than expected.
![GettyImages-1229738756.jpg](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2021/01/GettyImages-1229738756.jpg/GettyImages-1229738756.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=OadK1eEl)
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)