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A Syrian rebel fighter looks on as he stands at an inspection checkpoint for incoming vehicles at the entrance of the Russian-leased Syrian military base of Hmeimim in Latakia province in western Syria on Dec. 29, 2024.

Analysis

After setbacks in Syria and Turkish gains in Libya, Russia scrambles to retain Mediterranean sway

Moscow faces growing challenges coordinating in Libya and sustaining its regional presence after losing its key Syrian ally and confronting Ankara’s expanding influence.

By Anton Mardasov

Traffic flows past a huge billboard showing a missile falling on Israel with the slogan "The missile has fallen amidst the demons," on a main road in central Tehran on July 16, 2025.

Analysis

Iran turns to China, Russia to bolster air defenses as it preps for next Israel war

Following the 12-day war with Israel, Iran is increasing its military budget to repair its crippled air defense systems, pursuing procurement from China and Russia as commanders claim confidence in preventing renewed conflict.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

A missile system is displayed during Victory Day celebrations in Kayseri, Turkey, on Aug. 30, 2025.

Analysis

Turkey's Steel Dome air defense system: Game changer or work in progress?

The delivery of 47 domestically built air defense vehicles highlights Ankara’s deepening defense prowess, yet experts warn of production bottlenecks and integration challenges.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Stacks of Iranian rials and US dollars sit counted on a table in an unofficial currency exchange shop, Tehran, Iran, Aug. 6, 2025.

Analysis

Old sanctions, new risks: Iran’s economy hampered by war fallout, China reliance

Europe’s move to revive UN sanctions against Iran comes amid growing economic strain for a country already buckling under war damage, domestic crises and a plunging currency.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Jordanian soldiers stand guard near the "Gate of Peace" at the Jordan Valley site of Baqura, east of the Jordan River, on Nov. 13, 2019.

As youth unemployment nears 50%, can conscription ease Jordan's economic woes?

Jordan is reinstating mandatory military service for young men to address rising youth unemployment, promote national identity, and counter domestic and regional security threats.

Jordan

Latest News

Analysis

Beyond war games: Egypt-Saudi naval deal targets Red Sea, Mediterranean threats

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Lebanon to move on Hezbollah disarmament after testy cabinet meeting: What to know

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (C) heads a cabinet session to discuss an army plan to disarm the Shiite Muslim group Hezbollah, at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, on Sept. 5, 2025.

Lebanon

Trump order lets US label countries as wrongful detention sponsors

United States

Analysis

Inside Israel's Yemen operation that decapitated Houthi leadership

By Ben Caspit

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

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Annemarie Jacir, director of "Palestine 36" at The Toronto International Film Festival

'Palestine 36' shines light on Arab revolt against British rule

Agence France-Presse

US director Jim Jarmusch poses with the Golden Lion for Best Film

Indie favourite Jarmusch beats Gaza war film to Venice top prize

Agence France-Presse

An elderly protester was taken away by police at the 'Lift The Ban' demo

UK police arrest hundreds in latest Palestine Action demo

Agence France-Presse

Demonstrators attend the "Lift The Ban" rally organised by Defend Our Juries, challenging the British government's proscription of "Palestine Action" under anti-terrorism laws, in Parliament Square, in London, Britain, September 6, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

UK police arrest dozens at latest protest for banned Palestine Action

Reuters

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The Al-Monitor Brief

Lebanese army seeks to finalize Hezbollah disarmament plan

Adam Lucente interviews Beatrice Farhat

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The Al-Monitor Brief

What do China's SCO summit, military parade mean for Iran, Turkey and the Middle East?

Adam Lucente interviews Rosaleen Carroll

7:03

On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

Saudi Arabia would play peacemaker between Damascus and the Kurds — if Syria's Sharaa agreed

Amberin Zaman interviews Aziz Alghashian

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Israel deputy FM: France’s Palestinian recognition push is 'reward' for Hamas

Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel

Interview

Marwan Barghouti’s wife slams ‘political targeting’ after Ben-Gvir video

Fadwa Barghouti

Member of Fatah’s Revolutionary Council

Interview

Israel’s former Germany envoy: Arms embargo 'warning sign' of growing isolation

Jeremy Issacharoff

Former Israeli ambassador to Germany

Interview

Palestinian FM: US visa bans will not derail statehood drive

Varsen Aghabekian

Palestinian Foreign Minister

Analysis

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

Iran turns to China, Russia to bolster air defenses as it preps for next Israel war

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Analysis

After setbacks in Syria and Turkish gains in Libya, Russia scrambles to retain Mediterranean sway

By Anton Mardasov

Analysis

Old sanctions, new risks: Iran’s economy hampered by war fallout, China reliance

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

Turkey's Steel Dome air defense system: Game changer or work in progress?

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

image of Suwayda, Syria with smoke billowing up from an explosion

Suwayda reels from clashes as truce reached

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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

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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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Plestia Alaqad on Gaza and South Lebanon

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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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