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

Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani meets with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed on March 16,2023. — UAE Presidency

Analysis

As Gargash delivers Trump letter, can UAE play mediator role on Iran?

While the UAE seeks a greater mediator role in the region, covert rivalries among Gulf states and fragile Emirati-Iranian ties may limit its role.

By Jonathan Fenton-Harvey

In London, reporting on North Africa and Gulf politics

Analysis

What Mahmoud Khalil’s ICE arrest means for green card holders, free speech

Mahmoud Khalil’s case sets the stage for a major legal battle in the US, which could have repercussions for the rights of green card holders, free speech and political activism.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Lebanese army soldiers stand behind barbed wire fence demarcating the Blue Line, near the village of Kfar Shuba, southern Lebanon, June 11, 2023.

Analysis

Hezbollah’s shadow looms over Israel-Lebanon border talks: What to know

The announcement of discussions has sparked speculation about the possibility of a shift in bilateral ties and Hezbollah's possible disarmament.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi (C) welcomes Russia's deputy foreign minister, Sergey Ryabkov (L), and Iran's deputy foreign minister, Kazeem Gharibabadi, before a meeting regarding the Iranian nuclear issue on March 14, 2025.

Analysis

Iran nuclear crisis: China and Russia advocate talks, but are they seeking solutions?

Russia and China issued a joint statement with Iran calling for the removal of unilateral sanctions and advocating diplomacy to resolve Tehran's nuclear standoff with Washington.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Israeli army forces patrol in the village of Kfarshuba, southern Lebanon, Feb. 17, 2025.

Analysis

Israel’s two-pronged Lebanon strategy: Pursue border deal, strike Hezbollah

Israel is trying to negotiate a border demarcation with the Lebanese government while continuing to keep Hezbollah in check.

By Ben Caspit

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

Latest News

Turkey detains 5 in alleged Iran spy ring as Syria tensions brew: What we know

Turkish policemen try to secure the area after a strong explosion of unknown origin shook the busy shopping street of Istiklal in Istanbul, on Nov. 13, 2022.

Turkey

US, Israel looking to resettle Gaza's Palestinians in Somalia, Somaliland, Sudan: Report

TOPSHOT - A Palestinian boy picks flowers close to the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Bureij camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip on March 11, 2025. (Photo by Eyad BABA / AFP) (Photo by EYAD BABA/AFP via Getty Images)

United States

US slams Hamas offer to release American Edan Alexander

Women pass by a wall covered with photos of hostages that were kidnaped to the Gaza Strip during Hamas deadly attack on Jan. 6, 2025 in Kfar Saba, Israel.

Israel

Syria's draft constitution: Separation of powers, territorial unity and Islamic jurisprudence

Syria

Subscribe to the Daily Briefing for only $1.67 per month.

The most authoritative roundup for Middle East news everyday in your inbox.

What you get

Daily email with comprehensive regional news coverage
Start with a two-week free trial
Summary of all key insights from our in-country journalists.

Demonstrators in mainly Kurdish northeastern Syria wave Kurdish flags as they protest against the temporary constitution adopted by the interim government in Damascus.

Syria's new constitution gives sweeping powers, ignores minority rights

Agence France-Presse

Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani (L) and his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein pose for the cameras during during their joint press conference

Syria FM's Iraq visit focuses on security

Agence France-Presse

Shin Bet director Ronen Bar (C) is flanked by the then armed forces chief and the head of the Mossad intelligence agency in the situation room during an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners in January.

Israel PM, security agency fight it out in public

Agence France-Presse

A man at 'Hostages Square' in Tel Aviv reads in front of a clock counting the time Israeli hostages have been held captive in Gaza, during the reading of the Scrolls of Esther at the start of the Jewish holiday of Purim

Hamas says ready to free Israeli-US hostage, four bodies

Agence France-Presse

Editor's choice

Three stories hand-picked by our editorial team.

Stay informed with our daily and weekly newsletters

Read By

See all newsletters

The Al-Monitor Brief

What’s behind Saudi, UAE interest in mediating Ukraine war?

Adam Lucente interviews Jennifer Gnana

8:31

On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

French academic Fabrice Balanche: Syria's Islamist leader wants to make example of Alawites

Amberin Zaman interviews Fabrice Balanche

20:26

The Al-Monitor Brief

The FutureVerse: How US economy, China are affecting Gulf's AI sector

Adam Lucente interviews Sam Wendel

7:13

ALM Interviews

Exclusive conversations with Al-Monitor.

See All

Interview

Amid Israel's rightward shift, left struggles for relevance

Yair Golan

Chair of the Democrats Party

Interview

Qatar banks on Trump's help to sustain Gaza ceasefire

Majed al-Ansari

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson

Interview

WFP chief McCain urges funding to alleviate Syria's hunger crisis

Cindy McCain

WFP Executive Director

Interview

As AI superpowers clash, Saudi tech diplomat pushes collaboration over competition

Deemah AlYahya

Secretary General, Digital Cooperation Organization

Analysis

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

What Mahmoud Khalil’s ICE arrest means for green card holders, free speech

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Analysis

As Gargash delivers Trump letter, can UAE play mediator role on Iran?

By Jonathan Fenton-Harvey

In London, reporting on North Africa and Gulf politics

Analysis

Iran nuclear crisis: China and Russia advocate talks, but are they seeking solutions?

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Analysis

Hezbollah’s shadow looms over Israel-Lebanon border talks: What to know

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

ALM Events

Convening global leaders, media pioneers, and regional entrepreneurs.

See All

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

Our Journalists

See All

Latest News

Subscribe to the Daily Briefing for only $1.67 per month.

What you get

Editor's choice

Stay informed with our daily and weekly newsletters

Read By

Podcasts

ALM Interviews

Analysis

ALM Events

Our Journalists