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.
The art of the deal in Helsinki – the next chapter
More than 11% of internally displaced people have returned to areas retaken by Syrian government forces this year.
The art of the deal in Helsinki
A win-win on Syria is there for the taking by leveraging Putin’s relationship with Iran.
Rouhani goes on offense against critics, shady interests and ‘culture of opacity’
Iranian president presses ahead with anti-corruption agenda in response to political dissent and widening protests.
Is Israel going easy on Hamas?
Israel plays it safe in Gaza while giving priority to its northern border; Hamas looking for a friend in Moscow; Israel’s nuclear ambiguity.
Turkey’s Kurdish policies provoke backlash everywhere
The US-Turkish deal on Manbij sparks a Damascus opening to Syrian Kurds; Iran scolds Turkey on PKK operations in Syria; the HDP faces violence and an “uneven” playing field in elections; Iran is caught in the middle between Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Iran coy on support for Turkish assault on PKK in Iraq
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s offensive appears linked to Turkish elections and Iraqi politics; Is Turkey staying or going in northern Syria? Putin and Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri discuss Syrian refugees.
Israel squeezes Abu Mazen as West Bank simmers in solidarity with Gaza, Jordan protests
Hamas seeks to seize opening to expand protests to the West Bank; Crest Media announces partnership with North Base Media to manage Al-Monitor.
Trump missing piece in Putin’s Syria plan
The Russian president needs the United States to stabilize Syria, but expects sanctions relief in return.
New Iraqi government will again require Iranian blessing
While Iran may not be the winner in Iraq’s election, it will likely remain the final broker.
What did Putin mean by withdrawing 'foreign armed forces' from Syria?
Netanyahu leaves his troubles behind.
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.
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.
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.
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.
