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.
Iran follows Russia’s lead in backing Syria safe zones
Russia’s proposal legitimates Iranian military role in Syria; supreme leader hails victory for "Islamic democracy"; Turkish intervention in Sinjar could disrupt Mosul liberation plans; Egypt’s media crackdown.
Is Trump holding a Russian card in the Middle East?
Trump visit launches new US-Saudi partnership, but the endgame in the Middle East still depends on Moscow and Tehran.
Setting low bar for Trump-Erdogan meeting
With US-Turkey relations in crisis, the meeting of the US and Turkish presidents will be about appearances over substance; Saudis will press Trump on Iran; storm clouds over Sinjar; Hamas clamps down on journalists.
Putin changes conversation on Syria with cease-fire plan
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says the de-escalation zones are linked to US safe zone discussions.
Erdogan tests Trump with attack on Syrian Kurds
US-Turkey relations sink further following airstrikes; Russia’s expanding military presence in Syria.
Does Erdogan expect Trump to ditch Syrian Kurds?
US and Turkish presidents talk, agree to meeting in Washington; Saudi-Iraqi ties hit Iranian ceiling; Turkey sees al-Bab as safe haven for displaced Syrians.
Assad’s departure still non-starter for Putin
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s comment on "orderly" transition could offer a face-saving spark for Syria political talks; Hezbollah’s No. 2 disavows "ambitions" in Syria; did Iran benefit from US missile strike? Sistani seeks restraints on Iraqi armed groups looking to fight in Syria.
After US missile strikes, can Tillerson find common ground with Russia in Syria?
US strategy to defeat Islamic State in play as secretary of state heads to Moscow and UN secretary-general calls for restraint.
Did the US, Turkey reach understanding on Assad?
Turkey declares an end to Syrian military intervention; alarm over possible US military support to Gulf coalition in Yemen war.
Idlib — more than Raqqa — may be decisive Syria fault line
Russian-Turkish agreement under strain in key northern city.
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.
