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 considers raising stakes for escalation with Iran in Gulf
Iraq’s quiet may be misleading; Israel-Hezbollah tensions increase; Russia depends more on Iran than the reverse; Raisi visits Africa.
Iran should be catalyst for Israel-Saudi normalization
Saudi-Israeli diplomatic relations could also give a financial and political boost to the moribund two-state solution.
Is Iran getting the Biden administration’s message on Russia?
Observers report internal debates in the Islamic Republic over supplying drones; Netanyahu racks up three invitations in one week to talk with counterparts in other nations.
US, West turn up heat on Iran over Ukraine
Also: An October benchmark for the Iran nuclear deal could turn into a showdown over Ukraine, while signaling the end of the JCPOA.
Iran’s new nuclear normal gets boost from oil exports
Also: The Islamic Republic cracks down on the hijab "conspiracy" while suffering brain drain; researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov abducted by Iraqi militia.
Putin’s Syria policy hangs on amid Russian crackdown on Wagner
Israeli-Saudi normalization linked to Netanyahu White House visit; Israel’s booming arms exports; Turkey-Sweden ties strained ahead of NATO summit; would an 'informal' Iran deal require congressional review?
Macron, MBS see future in French-Saudi partnership
Saudi crown prince spends an action-packed week in Paris, including Global Financing Summit; Gulf eyes greater share of crypto market; is Netanyahu losing control?; why Jenin and Nablus remain hotbeds of Palestinian resistance.
US détente with Iran combines diplomacy, deterrence
Also: Iran seeks to do just enough to comply with IAEA safeguards, while avoiding snapback sanctions over missiles and drones.
Blinken, Saudi FM back away from ‘zero sum’ approach to China
The US secretary of state advanced a reset in Saudi policy in his visit to the kingdom, as nuclear negotiations may define a new phase of energy and security ties.
Israel alarmed by IAEA report, possible US backchannel diplomacy with Iran
Also: IAEA report hints at Iran’s post-JCPOA nuclear posture; Gulf uncertainty over US policy; Omani diplomacy back in spotlight.
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.
