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.
Iraqi Kurdistan’s risky independence referendum
Iraqi Kurdistan President Massoud Barzani may seek leverage from Sunni Arabs to balance opposition from Baghdad, Tehran and Ankara.
Does Turkey face day of reckoning with al-Qaeda in Idlib?
Al-Qaeda affiliate gains upper hand in northern Syrian city; Turkey’s shameful show trial of independent journalists part of “vicious crackdown.”
Will Netanyahu enforce Syrian red line against Iran?
Israel opposes cease-fire plan, as Russia, Turkey and Syria inch toward possible agreement on Afrin.
Abu Mazen plays losing hand badly in Gaza Strip
The Palestinian president faces a challenge from a bitter rival backed by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates; what is Saddam Hussein’s family doing in Qatar?; Russia and the United States wary of Turkish military intervention in Syria.
Turkey potential spoiler of US-Russian progress on Syria
Turkey may find common ground with Damascus and Tehran in its concerns about Syrian Kurds; UNHCR notes trend of "spontaneous returns" in Syria; Turkey seizes property of ancient Christian community.
Does the US have answer for Turkish threats against Syrian Kurds?
Turkey also seeks sway in Salafi-controlled Idlib; Hamas inches closer to Iran, Hezbollah.
Iran draws line in the sand in Syrian desert
Iran stakes claim in eastern Syria; Saudi move against Hamas; Qatar risks confrontation in the Gaza Strip.
Iran seizes high ground in Saudi-Qatar dispute
Iran probably can’t believe its luck; is it time for a second look at the Aleppo “narrative”?
Mixed messages since US-Saudi-Islamic summit prove costly
Is the United States missing an opportunity with Iran in the war against the Islamic State? Turkey, Hamas deal with fallout from Qatar dispute; Al-Monitor had the jump on “secret” US-Russia talks on Syria.
Saudi bloc splinters over hard line on Iran
Riyadh summit may have fueled sectarian animosities; Hamas resets its ties with Iran and Russia.
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.
