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Tufan Erhurman and his wife, Nilden Erhurman, celebrate on stage after their victory in the Turkish Cypriot leadership election in the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on Oct. 19, 2025.

Analysis

Turkish Cypriot polls: Winner not Ankara’s pick but can aid Turkey

Even though Ankara’s preferred candidate lost in Turkish Cypriot elections, the outcome could ironically work in Turkey’s favor.

By Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pose for pictures before the signature of joint statements and agreements during the EU-Egypt summit in Brussels, on Oct. 22, 2025.

Analysis

EU-Egypt summit unlocks over $4B for Cairo as investments beckon

The landmark summit came 19 months after the EU and Egypt signed a 7.4 billion euro ($8.6 billion) strategic and comprehensive partnership aimed at stabilizing the North African nation’s economy and curbing irregular migration to Europe.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Syria's internal security forces are deployed in Tadamon to secure a protest in Tadamon, Syria, on Feb. 7, 2025.

Analysis

Syria officials: US strike on jihadi commander a message to rebel holdouts

A US strike that killed a prominent rebel in Syria in early October aimed to send a message to militants who refuse to join the new Syrian national army, Syrian sources told Al-Monitor.

By Cagatay Cebe

In Istanbul, reporting on security and counterterrorism

Some Dubai-style Chocolate being made at Melt Chocolatier's masterclass in London.

Culture

From viral fame to fine craft: Dubai Chocolate finds new life in London

Melt Chocolates in London hosts 80-minute workshops twice a week to teach participants how to make the popular sweet treat.

United Arab Emirates

Head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Quds force, Esmail Qaani, attends the funeral ceremony for slain Guards commander Abbas Nilforoushan in Tehran on Oct. 15, 2024.

Analysis

Quds Force chief’s low-profile Baghdad visit highlights Iran's strategic pivot

In a brief Baghdad visit, Iranian Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani sought to mend Iraq's fractured Shiite bloc and restore Tehran's faltering regional influence, signaling its urgent recalibration after major setbacks in Lebanon, Gaza and Syria.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Latest News

Analysis

Turkey strengthens defense, energy ties following Erdogan’s Gulf tour

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrives in Oman’s capital, Muscat, to pay an official visit at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman on Oct. 22, 2025.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Culture

Gaza artists' unorthodox biennial finds a home in Istanbul

Alaà Al-Shawa’s “Fragile Masks,” a double portrait of restitched faces, highlights the young artist's quest for survival. (Photo: Nazlan Ertan)

Turkey

Analysis

'A real collision course': Israel fumes at US takeover of policy on Gaza, West Bank

US President Donald Trump greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he arrives at the White House on April 7, 2025 in Washington, DC.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Feature

Inside Congress' battle to repeal Syria's Caesar sanctions

A large Syrian flag flutters above Tishreen Park in Damascus on June 4, 2025.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

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Children search through rubble in Gaza City

In Gaza's ruins, a grandmother keeps family and hope alive

Agence France-Presse

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance (not pictured) at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, October 22, 2025. Nathan Howard/Pool via REUTERS

Netanyahu says Israel will determine which international forces are unacceptable

Reuters

Two workers killed in pipeline fire at Iraq’s Zubair oilfield, officials say

Reuters

Fighters with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) line up during a disarmament ceremony marking a significant step toward ending the decades-long conflict between Turkey and the outlawed group in Qandil mountains, Iraq October 26, 2025. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani

Kurdish PKK militants announce withdrawal from Turkey as part of disarmament

Reuters

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Syrians invest hope in new government despite staggering economic, security challenges and violence against minorities

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Why a full repeal of US sanctions is essential for Syria's suffering to end

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Culture

Director Cyril Aris on Lebanon’s Oscar submission, trauma and cinema

Interview

Gulf real estate investors choose UK over US amid political instability

Khaled Alanani

Head of real estate finance and investments, Bank of London and The Middle East

Interview

Dar Global hints at Trump real estate deals in Saudi Arabia’s gigaprojects

Ziad El Chaar

Chief Executive Officer, Dar Global

Interview

Trump's back channel to Hamas says militants could cede heavy weapons in disarmament deal

Bishara Bahbah

Founder, Arab Americans for Peace

Hamas fighters gather at the site of the handing over of two Israeli hostages in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Feb. 22, 2025.

Analysis

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

EU-Egypt summit unlocks over $4B for Cairo as investments beckon

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

Turkish Cypriot polls: Winner not Ankara’s pick but can aid Turkey

By Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Analysis

Turkey strengthens defense, energy ties following Erdogan’s Gulf tour

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

Syria officials: US strike on jihadi commander a message to rebel holdouts

By Cagatay Cebe

In Istanbul, reporting on security and counterterrorism

Amberin Zaman Reports from Damascus

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Elizabeth Hagedorn Reporting from UNGA in New York

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image of Suwayda, Syria with smoke billowing up from an explosion

Suwayda reels from clashes as truce reached

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Al-Monitor chief correspondent Amberin Zaman interviews H.E. Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

The Future of Energy and Power in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

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1:38:51

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Iraqi Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani at AL-Monitor Global Institute

AL-Monitor Global Institute hosts Iraqi Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright

On May 22, 2025, the AL-Monitor Global Institute hosted Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq and US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright in Washington DC to discuss the future of power and energy in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

Washington, DC

May 22, 2025 10:30 EDT

Past Live Journalism

AI, innovation & global growth: Dr. Marwan Al-Zarouni & Dr. Alaa Murabit speak at event in Washington

Al-Monitor Global Institute hosted Dr. Marwan Al-Zarouni, chief AI officer at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and CEO of the Dubai Blockchain Center, alongside Dr. Alaa Murabit, senior advisor at 500 Global, for a high-level conversation on how AI is accelerating innovation and transforming global economic development.

Washington, DC

April 23, 2025 16:00 EDT

Past Live Journalism

UAE presidential advisor HE Dr. Anwar Gargash speaks at AL-Monitor event during UNGA

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York City, AL-Monitor hosted HE Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the UAE, for an off-the-record dinner and discussion at Le Jardinier of the Bastion Collection. The event was attended by thought and business leaders as well as former officials.

New York City, NY

September 26, 2024 18:00 EDT

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