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His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was hosted in Paris by President Emmanuel Macron, where the sides signed a groundbreaking cooperation agreement in AI, on Feb. 6, 2025.

Analysis

UAE hedges against global economic volatility with EU trade agreement

The UAE is doubling down on bilateral free trade agreements as it hedges against economic headwinds fueled by the United States' universal tariff policy.

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

Women are seen walking at the Roj Camp in northeast Syria, on April 8, 2025.

Exclusive

Syria's Kurds say Trump aid cuts are feeding radicalism in ISIS camps

In an interview at Syria’s Roj camp, the head of intelligence for the Women’s Protection Units warns that US funding cuts are fueling a resurgence of ISIS ideology among detained women and children, deepening an already volatile security crisis.

By Amberin Zaman

In Paris, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon fighter aircraft of China's Ba Yi (August 1st) Aerobatics Team release smoke while performing manoeuvres during the first Egypt International Airshow at Alamein International Airport in Alamein in northern Egypt on September 4, 2024. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP) (Photo by KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images)

China, Egypt to hold first air force drill as military ties grow: What to know

The exercise scheduled for mid-April comes as Egypt-China ties are growing both militarily and economically despite US pressure on Cairo.

China

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (L) and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov walk together after their meeting to give a joint press conference at the foreign ministry headquarters in Tehran on February 25, 2025. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) (Photo by ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images)

IAEA chief in Tehran as Iran FM returns to Russia with Khamenei letter

A flurry of meetings are taking place in Iran, Russia and the US ahead of the second round of nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran on Saturday.

Iran

'Snow White' banned in Lebanon, Kuwait over Israeli star Gal Gadot

Lebanon's government banned Disney's latest film for its inclusion of Israeli actress Gal Gadot while countries like the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan plan to show the movie.

Lebanon

Latest News

Analysis

From Rafales to railways: Egypt walks tightrope between China, West

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi review the honour guard during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 29, 2024. Several Arab leaders are this week visiting Beijing, which is seeking to present a "common voice" on the conflict between Israel and Hamas and improve cooperation. (Photo by TINGSHU WANG / POOL / AFP) (Photo by TINGSHU WANG/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

By Dale Aluf

In Amsterdam, reporting on China in the Middle East

US weighs plans to slash troop presence in Syria by more than half

Syria

Iran FM says uranium enrichment 'non-negotiable' after Trump envoy urged halt

An Iranian woman walks past a mural on the walls of the former US embassy building in Tehran, dubbed the "Den of Spies" since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

Agence France-Presse

Jordan foils 'sabotage' plot involving rockets and drones, 16 arrested

Jordan

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Putin meets Russian-Israeli hostage released by Hamas

Agence France-Presse

It's inside this Basel arena that the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest will be held next month

Eurovision promises glitz -- and controversy over Israel

Agence France-Presse

Jeddah's high-speed Corniche Circuit is the venue for this weekend's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

F1 on Jeddah's streets - talking points ahead of the Saudi Arabian GP

Agence France-Presse

An Iranian Atomic Energy Organization picture shows IAEA chief Rafael Grossi (L) with IAEO spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi in Tehran

UN watchdog chief says Iran 'not far' from nuclear bomb

Agence France-Presse

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The Al-Monitor Brief

Middle East stock markets, Gulf oil rebound after Trump tariff decision, but will it last?

Adam Lucente interviews Sam Wendel

7:13

The Al-Monitor Brief

What's behind new US-Iran nuclear talks in Oman?

Adam Lucente interviews Elizabeth Hagedorn

7:45

On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

What do the mass protests mean for future of Turkey & Erdogan?

Amberin Zaman interviews Gonul Tol and Lisel Hintz

29:23

ALM Interviews

Exclusive conversations with Al-Monitor.

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Interview

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

Mohammed Ismail

President of the Kurdistan National Council

Interview

Israel's renewed Gaza strikes put last living US hostage at risk, family warns

Adi Alexander (C), father of Edan Alexander, attends a US House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia roundtable with family members of individuals being held hostage by Hamas, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on Nov. 29, 2023.

Interview

In break with Netanyahu, Olmert urges Israel to recognize Syria’s Sharaa, open dialogue

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert speaks during a briefing on US President Donald Trump's Mideast peace plan on February 11, 2020 in New York. Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas told the UN Security Council that the world should reject President Donald Trump's Middle East plan, which he said would limit Palestinian sovereignty in a "Swiss cheese" deal. "We reject the Israeli-American plan," which "throws into question the legitimate rights of the Palestinians," Abbas said, brandishing a large map of

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.

Analysis

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

From Rafales to railways: Egypt walks tightrope between China, West

By Dale Aluf

In Amsterdam, reporting on China in the Middle East

Analysis

Iran claims upper hand in nuclear talks even as Trump floats military option

A man and woman walk past a mural depicting an Iranian official in civilian clothing sitting across the table from an American official wearing military fatigues painted on the outer walls of the former US embassy in Tehran, colloquially referred to as the "Spy Den," on April 8, 2025.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Analysis

As Witkoff hints US won't dismantle Iran nuclear program, Israel fears Trump may settle for 'bad deal'

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 07: U.S. President Donald Trump bids farewell to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he leaves the White House after a meeting on April 07, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump was meeting with Netanyahu to discuss ongoing efforts to release Israeli hostages from Gaza and newly imposed U.S. tariffs. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

By Ben Caspit

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

Analysis

UAE hedges against global economic volatility with EU trade agreement

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

ALM Events

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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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