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Israeli tanks are positioned along the border with the Gaza Strip, on June 5, 2025, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

Analysis

‘A wild gamble’: Will Israel's arming of Gaza militia backfire?

In a move critics have called dangerous and risky, Israel is now supplying weapons to an independent Gaza militia in a bid to weaken Hamas.

By Ben Caspit

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

Feature

Families of Kurdish journalists slain in suspected Turkish drone strike in Syria want their remains

Ankara’s refusal to repatriate the journalists' remains underscores the political stakes of acknowledging the drone strike.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Muslim worshippers make their way towards the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in in the holy city of Mecca to take part in morning prayers on the first day of Eid Al-Adha, the feast of the sacrifice, early on June 6, 2025.

In photos: Muslims kick off Eid al-Adha across the Middle East

The holiday’s arrival cast a spotlight on deepening humanitarian crises, leadership transitions and shifting regional dynamics.

Saudi Arabia

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

Syria’s top Islamic body issues decree against honor killings: What to know

US special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack referred to the decision as “great first steps,” though concerns persist about the new Islamist-led government.

Syria

US President Donald Trump (R) attends a meeting with Russia's president, Vladimir Putin, during the G20 summit in Osaka on June 28, 2019.

Analysis

Russia's Putin offers Trump help on Iran, likely with strings attached

As Iran weighs the US proposal for a nuclear deal, Russia has volunteered to play a role facilitating future talks.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

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

Latest News

Trump travel ban 2.0: Assessing the impact on Mideast nations

Travelers from the Middle East arrive at the International Arrivals section at Los Angeles International Airport on June 29, 2017.

Syria

Israel strikes Beirut, targeting underground Hezbollah drone facilities

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli air strike targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut, Nov. 23, 2024.

Lebanon

Rubio announces sanctions on ICC judges over US, Israel probes

Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during the American Compass New World Gala at the National Building Museum on June 3, 2025 in Washington.

Israel

US green-lights $325 million in sustainment for Kuwait’s M1 Abrams tanks

A picture taken on Feb. 21, 2020 shows M1 Abrams Fighting tanks of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, as US military equipment arrives to the Port of Bremerhaven the United States for the Defender 2020 international military exercises.

Kuwait

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A boy looks on as he sits between Muslim worshippers prostrating as they perform the early morning prayers for Eid al-Adha at the makeshift prayer room of the Nour mosque in Gaza City

Israel army announces 4 soldiers killed in Gaza, thousands more troops needed

Agence France-Presse

Syrians visit the graves of their loved ones in the Jobar suburb of Damascus on the first day of Eid al-Adha

In Syria's devastated Jobar, cemetery comes alive for Eid

Agence France-Presse

Shaving or cutting the hair comes near the end of the hajj, and marks the moment when pilgrims can change out of the Ihram clothing that signifies purity and devotion

Inside Saudi's hajj-only barbershop, shaving thousands of heads in a day

Agence France-Presse

Families gathered at cemeteries in Jenin to mourn their loved ones as part of Eid al-Fitr celebrations

'No Eid' for West Bank Palestinians who lost sons in Israeli raids

Agence France-Presse

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The Al-Monitor Brief

What’s behind Egypt-Greece tensions over Mount Sinai monastery?

Adam Lucente interviews Rosaleen Carroll

7:45

The Al-Monitor Brief

Where do Turkey, Syrian government’s normalization talks with Kurds stand?

Adam Lucente interviews Amberin Zaman

11:21

The Al-Monitor Brief

What's next for Syria economy after $7B Qatari electricity deal, US sanctions relief?

Adam Lucente interviews Jack Dutton

10:16

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

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)

Analysis

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

Russia's Putin offers Trump help on Iran, likely with strings attached

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

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

Analysis

US' Syria pullout continues amid looming Iran clash

US soldiers patrol in Syria's northeastern city Qamishli, in the Hasakeh province, mostly controlled by Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, on January 9, 2025. (AFP via Getty Images)

By Jared Szuba

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

Analysis

If Iran rejects Trump’s nuclear deal, will Israel seize moment to strike?

By Ben Caspit

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

Analysis

‘A wild gamble’: Will Israel's arming of Gaza militia backfire?

By Ben Caspit

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

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

Play Video

1:38:51

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

5:00

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?

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1:22

ALM Events

Convening global leaders, media pioneers, and regional entrepreneurs.

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Past Live Journalism

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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