Interview
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’s long shadow from Vienna to Baghdad and beyond
More may be riding on the JCPOA talks than just the fate of Iran’s nuclear program.
Far from the front, Tunisia suffers because of Ukraine war
Grain shipment deal mediated by UN and Erdogan offers a ‘beacon of hope’ in a food crisis worsened by distant conflict.
The important counternarrative on Biden’s Middle East trip
Symbolism matters, but progress matters more — and there was progress.
Biden visit to Israel a ‘mixed bag’ because of differences on Iran
Meeting between US and Palestinian presidents described as ‘warm’; UAE opts out of anti-Iran alliance; Biden agenda may include Saudi-American families banned from traveling.
Ahead of Biden Mideast trip, Iran nuclear deal looms large
US president to blend diplomacy and deterrence in approach to Iran, region.
Not so fast: Erdogan still holds cards on NATO bids by Sweden, Finland
If conditions are not met, Turkey's president says it is "out of the question" that the Turkish parliament will take up Sweden and Finland's NATO membership issue; avoiding a further US-Turkish meltdown; is Syria invasion on hold?
Don’t write off the Iran nuclear deal just yet
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi still wants and needs the JCPOA more than Biden.
Biden approach to Saudi Arabia echoes Bush’s China policy after Tiananmen Square
Also: Washington and Riyadh seek to break Sudan deadlock; Syrian factions unite against Turkey.
Does Erdogan have a green light from Russia to move into Syria?
The US and Iran oppose the planned Turkish operation, as Erdogan digs in further on Finland and Sweden’s NATO bids, and warns Greece on the Aegean Islands.
Erdogan: Sweden, Finland need to ‘act accordingly’ toward Kurdish groups for approval on NATO bids
The Turkish president repeated these points while announcing another military operation into Syria.
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.
