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Analysis

New Saudi-Greek strategic council: Boost for defense, energy, EU ties

Riyadh and Athens are steadily expanding their ties to include military, political and economic dimensions, driven by a shared commitment to regional stability and economic diversification.

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

An image grab shows one of the Israeli hostages exiting a vehicle to be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza City

Chaotic crowds, Hamas gunmen surround Gaza hostage handover

Agence France-Presse

A fighter of the the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army faction watches a plume of smoke erupt from bombardment at a position near the Tishrin Dam in the vicinity of Manbij, in the east of Syria's northern Aleppo province, on January 10, 2025 amidst ongoing battles with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The latest reported fighting comes despite the US on December 8 saying that it was working to address Turkey's concerns in Syria to dissuade the NATO ally from escalating an offensive against

Analysis

Disarmament and political shift: What Turkey would accept from Syria's SDF

The fall of the Assad dynasty has changed Turkey's calculus on how to deal with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Displaced Palestinians return to the war-devastated Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, shortly before the truce took effect

After celebrations, displaced Gazans return home to destruction

Agence France-Presse

DAMASCUS, SYRIA - JANUARY 18: Syrians gather at a park in central Damascus on January 18, 2025 in Damascus, Syria. Following the overthrow of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad by opposition groups in a quick offensive on December 8, the country is looking to gain economic momentum after years of global sanctions on the Assad-led government. Arab and Western countries have been reopening diplomatic relations with Syria's new de facto authorities, headed by the Islamist former insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham

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US issues sanctions waiver for countries backing Syria’s transition

The Biden administration stopped short of lifting sanctions on Syria or rescinding the terrorist designation of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

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

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Analysis

Wary of its own Islamists, Egypt adopts cautious approach to Syria

People walk past a campaign poster of Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in a market in Cairo on December 7, 2023, ahead of the presidential election. Egyptian citizens living abroad will cast early ballots on December 8 in a presidential election, in a vote all but certain to give incumbent Sisi a third term in office. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP) (Photo by KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images)

By Shahira Amin

Analysis

Why did Netanyahu agree to Gaza deal, and what are next steps?

TOPSHOT - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives at the district court in Tel Aviv for his hearing on corruption charges on December 10, 2024. Netanyahu, the first sitting prime minister of Israel to face a criminal trial, testified for the first time when his corruption case resumed on December 10 on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of public trust in three separate cases. (Photo by Menahem KAHANA / POOL / AFP) (Photo by MENAHEM KAHANA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

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Analysis

By hosting Taliban FM, UAE seeks to expand influence in Afghanistan

Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi visited Abu Dhabi and met with Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed on Jan 8.

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

Analysis

Iran-Russia deal signed: Does it secure Tehran's geopolitical interests?

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian sign a strategic partnership treaty during a ceremony following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on Jan. 17, 2025.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Supporters were elated at the release of three hostages but dozens more remain in Gaza

Joy in Israel at hostage release but fears for those still held

Agence France-Presse

Syrian security personnel at a warehouse in Latakia examine toys used to hide the drugs

Syria destroys millions of captagon pills, other drugs: official

Agence France-Presse

A photo combination shows posters of Israeli hostages Romi Gonen (L), Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher

The three women hostages to be freed from Gaza

Agence France-Presse

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy holding a poster showing hostage Emily Damari

Emily Damari: the British hostage who loves Spurs

Agence France-Presse

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Three stories hand-picked by our editorial team.

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The Al-Monitor Brief

Details behind the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal

Adam Lucente interviews Elizabeth Hagedorn

6:52

The Al-Monitor Brief

Will the US close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility?

Adam Lucente interviews Rosaleen Carroll

8:33

On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

Why Syria's new Islamist leaders deserve Western support

Amberin Zaman interviews Nikolaos van Dam

27:51

ALM Interviews

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Interview

US-allied Syrian Kurdish woman commander: ISIS poised to carry 'fight to new level'

Rojhelat Afrin

Women’s Protection Units Commander in Chief

Interview

Syrian Kurd FM Ilham Ahmed says PKK leader Ocalan's words of 'vital importance'

Ilham Ahmed

Co-President of the Executive Council of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria

Interview

Lebanon’s ex-spymaster says Israel-Hezbollah cease-fire close

Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim

Former Lebanese intelligence chief

Interview

Coworking offers lifeline to Gaza's tech entrepreneurs as war disrupts jobs

Rateb Rabi

Founder of Intersect Innovation Hub

Analysis

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

Wary of its own Islamists, Egypt adopts cautious approach to Syria

By Shahira Amin

Analysis

Disarmament and political shift: What Turkey would accept from Syria's SDF

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

Iran-Russia deal signed: Does it secure Tehran's geopolitical interests?

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Analysis

New Saudi-Greek strategic council: Boost for defense, energy, EU ties

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

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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

Past Live Journalism

Salon conversation with Turkey's Ambassador to the US Sedat Önal

AL-Monitor hosted the ambassador of Turkey to the United States, Sedat Önal, for an off-the-record discussion on a wide range of topics such as Turkey-US relations, the Gaza war and Turkey's military intervention in Syria. The event was attended by guests from media, private business, and government.

Washington, DC

September 12, 2024 16:00 EDT

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