AL-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Syria-Israel talks reportedly intensify as Trump asks Sharaa to normalize: What to know

Following President Donald Trump’s call for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to join the Abraham Accords, multiple contacts have reportedly taken place between Israeli and Syrian officials.

Israel

The port of the southern coastal city of Tartus, Syria, Dec. 12, 2024.

Syria inks $800M deal with UAE’s DP World to develop Tartous port: What we know

The agreement came days after Donald Trump announced the lifting of all US sanctions against Syria stemming from the Assad government's conduct in the 14-year civil war.

Syria

TOPSHOT - Kuwaiti traders follow the stock market activity at Boursa Kuwait, in Kuwait City on April 7, 2025. According to official news agencies, Kuwait's primary index fell 5.7 percent, the Qatari stock exchange was down 4.2 percent, and in Oman, the Muscat stock market closed with a 2.6-percent decline. Under Trump's policy, goods from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates will be subject to a 10-percent "baseline" tariff. The uncertainty over trade and manufacturing has helped t

Analysis

Gulf wealth funds weather US stock dip, target Amazon, Bitcoin in Q1

We take a look at the region’s exposure to American equities as the US president departs the Gulf.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

India wages economic war on Turkey for supporting Pakistan in Kashmir

Turkish business interests are taking a hit as India retaliates against Ankara’s backing of Pakistan on Kashmir.

Turkey

People queue outside the main headquarters of the Central Bank of Syria to exchange US dollars at prices lower than the black market, in Damascus on December 30, 2024. (Photo by ANWAR AMRO / AFP) (Photo by ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty Images)

Interview

Syria’s central bank chief: US sanctions relief a ‘turning point’

Abdulkader Husrieh discusses how sanctions relief could impact Syria’s reintegration into the global financial system.

Abdulkader Husrieh

Syrian central bank governor

Latest News

Joel Rayburn commits to helping lift Syria sanctions, boxing in Iranian influence

US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Levant Affairs and Special Envoy for Syria Joel Rayburn delivers a statment ahead of a meeting of the Syria constitution-writing committee on October 29, 2019 at the United Nations Offices in Geneva. (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

United States

US-Syria thaw advances as Rubio meets Shaibani in Turkey: What to know

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (R) shakes hands with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (C) reacts.

Turkey

Analysis

As Trump lands in UAE, tech and trade to dominate agenda, not defense

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - MAY 15: U.S. President Donald J. Trump is greeted by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan upon his arrival on May 15, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Trump is on the third day of his visit to the Gulf to underscore the strategic partnership between the United States and regional allies including the UAE, focusing on security and economic collaboration. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Exclusive

Syrian Kurdish negotiator Yusuf: No agreement yet with Damascus on Tishreen Dam

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

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Since March 2, Israeli forces have blocked all humanitarian aid entering Gaza for its 2.4 million inhabitants

Rescuers say 100 dead as Israel launches fresh Gaza offensive

Agence France-Presse

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (R) hold talks with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas ahead of Saturday's Arab League meeting in Baghdad.

Arab League to meet in Baghdad to discuss regional crises

Agence France-Presse

The sharks are drawn to the warm water discharged by a power station off Israel's Mediterranean coast

'Alpha predator' sharks and humans clash on an Israeli beach

Agence France-Presse

Trump expressed hope that Riyadh would normalise relations with Israel

Trump reshapes US Mideast policy. Can deals work instead?

Agence France-Presse

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The Al-Monitor Brief

Did Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE get what they want from Trump Gulf trip?

Adam Lucente interviews Sam Wendel

8:43

On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

Kashmir conflict a reminder of why Saudi Arabia & other Gulf nations favor India over Pakistan

Amberin Zaman interviews Talmiz Ahmad

18:33

The Al-Monitor Brief

Trump seeks deals in Gulf as Gaza, Iran talks persist: view from Saudi Arabia

Adam Lucente interviews Elizabeth Hagedorn

9:10

ALM Interviews

Exclusive conversations with Al-Monitor.

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Interview

Qatar’s digital future offers opportunities in AI, energy, says head of US-Qatar Business Council

Sheikha Mayes Al Thani

Managing Director, US-Qatar Business Council

Interview

Ayalon: Netanyahu firing Shin Bet chief to shield inner circle from Qatar probe

Ami Ayalon, a candidate for the Israeli Labor Party leadership, arrives to vote in the second and decisive round of party primaries on June 12, 2007, in Geva Carmel, northern Israel.

Interview

Syria's Kurds to demand federalism in tactical push for decentralization

Mohammed Ismail

President of the Kurdistan National Council

Interview

Syria’s central bank chief: US sanctions relief a ‘turning point’

Abdulkader Husrieh

Syrian central bank governor

Analysis

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

Trump promises arms sales to the Gulf, but can he deliver?

QATAR-US-DIPLOMACY Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (C-R) and US President Donald Trump (C-L) watch as US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (L) and Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani (R) sign documents during a signing ceremony at the Royal Palace in Doha on May 14, 2025. (Photo by Karim JAAFAR / AFP) (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images)

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Analysis

As Trump lands in UAE, tech and trade to dominate agenda, not defense

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Analysis

Trump wants to lift all US sanctions on Syria: Can he?

People celebrate in Damascus' Omeyyad square after US President Donald Trump's decision to lift sanctions in Syria, on May 13, 2025. (Photo by Abdulaziz KETAZ / AFP) (Photo by ABDULAZIZ KETAZ/AFP via Getty Images)

By Rosaleen Carroll , Adam Lucente

Analysis

Gulf wealth funds weather US stock dip, target Amazon, Bitcoin in Q1

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Al-Monitor's State Department Correspondent Elizabeth Hagedorn stands on a balcony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia reporting on President Trump's trip to the Gulf.

President Trump's Visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE

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1:04

Plestia Alaqad on Gaza and South Lebanon

Play Video

US investor Steve Witkoff attends the last day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 18, 2024.

Who is Trump’s new Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff?

Play Video

US Senator Marco Rubio, Republican of Florida, speaks next to former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a campaign rally at the PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on October 29, 2024. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump's cabinet comes together

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0:59

ALM Events

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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

Past Live Journalism

Iraq PM Sudani speaks at AL-Monitor/US Chamber of Commerce event during UNGA

At an event hosted by AL-Monitor and the US Chamber of Commerce, the prime minister discussed Iraq’s plan to achieve energy independence by 2030 and his desire to drawdown the US military presence in the country.

New York City, NY

September 25, 2024 18:00 EDT

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