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

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1x" media="all and (max-width: 719px)" type="image/jpeg" width="720" height="1224"/>  <img class="image" src="/sites/default/files/styles/front_page_hero_medium/public/2024-05/Politics%20%26%20Security.jpeg?h=c5b39d2e&itok=C3p4E-C_" alt="politics and security cover image" /> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="node__content"> <div class="node__text_container"> <div class="node__content_header"> </div> <div class="node__text"> <h2 class="h2"> Politics & Security </h2> </div> <div class="node__meta"> </div> </div> </div> </article> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-c6c26cd5fce89bfe27a201965d833a7967c5c8c0f6091c7621664cdcd6c9cfe5 view--taxonomy-term view--taxonomy-term--featured"> <section class="section section--leading-news section--taxonomy-term-page section--constrain"> <div class="section--content section--content--constrain"> <div class="grid grid--featured-content"> <div class="grid__start"> <div class="vertical-listing-medium"> <article class="card card-- card--default card--small"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/originals/2025/02/irans-irgc-dismantles-alleged-spy-network-linked-israel-us-what-know" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-02/GettyImages-2180307467.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=VSYiKucQ" width="870" height="489" alt="Tehran" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/02/irans-irgc-dismantles-alleged-spy-network-linked-israel-us-what-know" > Iran's IRGC dismantles alleged spy network linked to Israel, US: What to know </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link link--card-summary" href="/originals/2025/02/irans-irgc-dismantles-alleged-spy-network-linked-israel-us-what-know" > The announcement comes as Iran and Israel are exchanging threats over the former’s nuclear program. </a> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <a class="country country--with-icon country--no-border" href="/iran" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.0#iran"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Iran</div> </a> </div> </article> <article class="card card--analysis card--default card--small"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/originals/2025/02/sudan-russia-reach-understanding-naval-base-hurdles-remain" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-02/GettyImages-1232559944%20copy.jpeg?h=85b6ea67&itok=HGA9hUBs" width="870" height="489" alt="A general view shows docked ships at the harbor of the Sudanese city of Port Sudan, on April 27, 2021. " /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__type card__type--analysis u-text-color--analysis"> <span class="eyebrow u-text-transform--uppercase"> Analysis </span> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/02/sudan-russia-reach-understanding-naval-base-hurdles-remain" > Sudan, Russia reach 'understanding' on naval base but hurdles remain </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link link--card-summary" href="/originals/2025/02/sudan-russia-reach-understanding-naval-base-hurdles-remain" > A naval base deal that has been more than five years in the making has gained renewed attention after statements from Sudan’s foreign minister while in Moscow. </a> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="authors"> <div class="authors__avatar"> <a class="link" href="/authors/rosaleen-carroll" > <picture class="image" > <img class="image" src="https://www.al-monitor.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2025-02/Headshot-whiteBG_1.JPEG?h=59ab770f&itok=BdQz6YuC" alt="Rosaleen Carroll" /> </picture> </a> </div> <div class="authors__name"> <a class="link" href="/authors/rosaleen-carroll" > <div class="name"> <span class="byline-pretext byline-pretext__inline">By</span> <span class="subtitle--l">Rosaleen Carroll</span> </div> <div class="tagline body--s">In <strong>Washington, DC, US</strong>, reporting on <strong>the Middle East</strong></div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> <div class="grid__middle"> <div class="vertical-listing"> <article class="card card-- card--default card--small"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/originals/2025/02/netanyahu-taps-confidant-lead-gaza-negotiations-replacing-mossad-chief-what-we" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-02/GettyImages-1145890294%20copy.jpeg?h=a5ae579a&itok=Dj5chURb" width="870" height="489" alt="Ambassador of Israel to the US Ron Dermer speaks during the annual "Days of Remembrance" event at the Emancipation Hall of US Capitol April 29, 2019, in Washington, DC." /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/02/netanyahu-taps-confidant-lead-gaza-negotiations-replacing-mossad-chief-what-we" > Netanyahu taps confidant to lead Gaza negotiations, replacing Mossad chief: What we know </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link link--card-summary" href="/originals/2025/02/netanyahu-taps-confidant-lead-gaza-negotiations-replacing-mossad-chief-what-we" > Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu removed Mossad chief David Barnea and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar from the negotiating team, replacing them with loyalist Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who is seen as having a direct line to the White House. </a> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <a class="country country--with-icon country--no-border" href="/israel" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.0#israel"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Israel</div> </a> </div> </article> <article class="card card-- card--default card--small"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/originals/2025/02/pentagon-sends-b-52-bombers-over-middle-east-us-aims-pressure-iran" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-02/GettyImages-2183889816.jpg?h=ce21565b&itok=LjQFPwCC" width="870" height="489" alt="A US Air Force B-52 aircraft in Sakhir, Bahrain, on Nov. 13, 2024." /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/02/pentagon-sends-b-52-bombers-over-middle-east-us-aims-pressure-iran" > Pentagon sends B-52 bombers over Middle East as US aims to pressure Iran </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link link--card-summary" href="/originals/2025/02/pentagon-sends-b-52-bombers-over-middle-east-us-aims-pressure-iran" > The US military signals continuity in the region as Saudi Arabia hosts Trump’s push for a dramatic reset with Russia over the Ukraine war. </a> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="authors"> <div class="authors__avatar"> <a class="link" href="/authors/jared-szuba.html" > <picture class="image" > <img class="image" src="https://www.al-monitor.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-04/IMG_2347.jpg?h=502e75fa&itok=LMgLq3kz" alt="Jared Szuba" /> </picture> </a> </div> <div class="authors__name"> <a class="link" href="/authors/jared-szuba.html" > <div class="name"> <span class="byline-pretext byline-pretext__inline">By</span> <span class="subtitle--l">Jared Szuba</span> </div> <div class="tagline body--s">In <strong>Washington, DC</strong>, reporting on <strong>defense, national security, military</strong></div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> <div class="grid__end"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-taxonomy-term view-id-taxonomy_term view-display-id-leading js-view-dom-id-6be38fe2cadd429ff8222a41a8f94ad5feb2f166402b14acd34e8e4c8b9af6fe"> <h3 class="h3 h3--section-title"> Latest News </h3> <div class="vertical-listing"> <article class="card card-- card--default card--xsmall"> <div class="card__col-one"> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/02/mass-arrests-turkey-erdogan-courts-kurds-seeks-eliminate-rivals" > Mass arrests in Turkey as Erdogan courts Kurds, seeks to eliminate rivals </a> </h2> </div> </div> <div class="card__col-two"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2025-02/GettyImages-2199031579.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=FscBzApa" width="480" height="480" alt="Kurds hold the edges of large banners depicting Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan during a demonstration of several thousand people from all around Europe to mark the 26th anniversary of the arrest of PKK founder and to demand his liberation in Strasbourg, Eastern France, on Feb. 15, 2025. " /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <a class="country country--with-icon country--no-border" href="/turkey" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.0#turkey"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Turkey</div> </a> </div> </article> <article class="card card-- card--default card--xsmall"> <div class="card__col-one"> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/02/lebanon-extends-iran-flight-ban-will-close-airport-during-nasrallah-funeral" > Lebanon extends Iran flight ban, will close airport during Nasrallah funeral </a> </h2> </div> </div> <div class="card__col-two"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2025-02/GettyImages-2199110489.jpg?h=790be497&itok=wRYdbDnO" width="480" height="480" alt="Teargas fumes erupt during clashes between supporters of the Lebanese Shiite Islamist movement Hezbollah and the Lebanese Army amidst a Hezbollah-organised rally to block the road to Beirut International Airport over a decision to bar two Iranian flights from landing there, in Beirut on February 15, 2025. An AFP correspondent said tear gas was fired to disperse crowds on February 15 after again blocking amidst calls by the Iran-backed group for a sit-in. (Photo by IBRAHIM AMRO / AFP) (Photo by IBRAHIM AMRO/" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <a class="country country--with-icon country--no-border" href="/lebanon" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.0#lebanon"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Lebanon</div> </a> </div> </article> <article class="card card-- card--default card--xsmall"> <div class="card__col-one"> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/02/iran-unveils-new-drones-military-drill-what-know" > Iran unveils new drones in military drill: What to know </a> </h2> </div> </div> <div class="card__col-two"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2025-02/GettyImages-2147872561.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=pK7eDH16" width="480" height="480" alt="drones" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <a class="country country--with-icon country--no-border" href="/iran" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.0#iran"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Iran</div> </a> </div> </article> <article class="card card-- card--default card--xsmall"> <div class="card__col-one"> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/02/us-russia-talks-conclude-saudi-arabia-most-high-level-meeting-2023-what-know" > US-Russia talks conclude in Saudi Arabia, most high-level meeting since 2023: What to know </a> </h2> </div> </div> <div class="card__col-two"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2025-02/GettyImages-2199658460.jpg?h=790be497&itok=B069JiqT" width="480" height="480" alt="TOPSHOT - (L to R) US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, National Security Advisor Mosaad bin Mohammad al-Aiban, the Russian president's foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attend a meeting together at Riyadh's Diriyah Palace on February 18, 2025. Top US and Russian diplomats were meeting in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for talks on res" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <a class="country country--with-icon country--no-border" href="/united-states" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.0#united-states"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">United States</div> </a> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <section class="section section--constrain"> <div class="section--content section--content--constrain"> <div class="divider divider--default u-position--relative u-padding--8" style="color:currentColor;" aria-hidden='true'> <hr class="u-position--absolute" style='background-color=currentColor'> <div class="divider__diamonds"> <span class="divider__diamond"></span> <span class="divider__diamond"></span> <span class="divider__diamond"></span> </div> </div> </div> </section> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-82778f573be9ea349f6ccc11ffe30e9d049f1600d6a0f41ffeecf2c7897128e0 view--authors-by-country view--authors-by-country--block_1"> <section class="section section--country-authors section--taxonomy section--constrain"> <div class="section--content section--content--constrain"> <div class="scroller scroller--6-per-row"> <div class="scroller__header"> <div class="scroller__header_start"> <h3 class="h3 h3--section-title u-margin--none"> Our Journalists </h3> <p class="body body--s"> </p> </div> <div class="scroller__header_end"> </div> </div> <div class="scroller__content"> <div class="card card--profile"> <span class="profile-link"> <div class="card__content card__content--top"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/authors/amberin-zaman.html" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" 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src="/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-04/Ben-Caspit-headshot.jpg?h=502e75fa&itok=N91f5MFO" width="480" height="480" alt="Ben Caspit headshot (new)" /> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__content card__content--bottom"> <div class="card__name"> <h2 class="heading h6"> <a href="/authors/ben-caspit.html" title="Ben Caspit">Ben Caspit</a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__job-title"> <div>Israel Columnist</div> </div> <div class="card__body"> In <strong>Tel Aviv</strong>, reporting on <strong>national security, Israeli politics, defense</strong> </div> </div> </span> </div> <div class="card card--profile"> <span class="profile-link"> <div class="card__content card__content--top"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/authors/elizabeth-hagedorn.html" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" 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src="/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-04/IMG_0153.jpg?h=502e75fa&itok=I9IFt0g8" width="480" height="480" alt="Ezgi Akin headshot (new)" /> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__content card__content--bottom"> <div class="card__name"> <h2 class="heading h6"> <a href="/authors/ezgi-akin.html" title="Ezgi Akin">Ezgi Akin</a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__job-title"> <div>Associate Editor (Turkey)</div> </div> <div class="card__body"> In <strong>Ankara</strong>, reporting on <strong>diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO</strong> </div> </div> </span> </div> <div class="card card--profile"> <span class="profile-link"> <div class="card__content card__content--top"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/authors/jared-szuba.html" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-04/IMG_2347.jpg?h=502e75fa&itok=LMgLq3kz" width="480" height="480" alt="Jared Szuba headshot (new)" /> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__content card__content--bottom"> <div class="card__name"> <h2 class="heading h6"> <a href="/authors/jared-szuba.html" title="Jared Szuba">Jared Szuba</a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__job-title"> <div>Pentagon Correspondent</div> </div> <div class="card__body"> In <strong>Washington, DC</strong>, reporting on <strong>defense, national security, military</strong> </div> </div> </span> </div> <div class="card card--profile"> <span class="profile-link"> <div class="card__content card__content--top"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/authors/adam-lucente.html" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-04/IMG_9342.jpg?h=502e75fa&itok=hsMyFzZN" width="480" height="480" alt="Adam Lucente headshot (new)" /> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__content card__content--bottom"> <div class="card__name"> <h2 class="heading h6"> <a href="/authors/adam-lucente.html" title="Adam Lucente">Adam Lucente</a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__job-title"> <div>News and Business Correspondent</div> </div> <div class="card__body"> In <strong>New York City</strong>, reporting on <strong>regional news, militancy, climate change</strong> </div> </div> </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <section class="section section--constrain"> <div class="section--content section--content--constrain"> <div class="divider divider--default u-position--relative u-padding--8" style="color:currentColor;" aria-hidden='true'> <hr class="u-position--absolute" style='background-color=currentColor'> <div class="divider__diamonds"> <span class="divider__diamond"></span> <span class="divider__diamond"></span> <span class="divider__diamond"></span> </div> </div> </div> </section> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-a34d837fd86e4295c3ed594a54dcf5e2982642f5aa11cb3e56b37c1d3c6b4f5e view--taxonomy-term view--taxonomy-term--chrono"> <section class="section section--taxonomy-term-chrono section--gallery-4 section--constrain"> <div class="section--content section--content--constrain view-content grid--featured-content grid--gallery-4"> <article class="card card--analysis card--default card--small"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/originals/2025/02/can-netanyahu-rebuff-trumps-envoy-gaza-talks-second-phase-looms" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-02/GettyImages-2197667490.jpg?h=a84ef113&itok=Dk6nD4i_" width="870" height="489" alt="WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 04: U.S. President Donald Trump, accompanied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L), speaks during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House on February 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. Netanyahu is the first foreign leader to visit Trump since he returned to the White House last month. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__type card__type--analysis u-text-color--analysis"> <span class="eyebrow u-text-transform--uppercase"> Analysis </span> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/02/can-netanyahu-rebuff-trumps-envoy-gaza-talks-second-phase-looms" > Can Netanyahu rebuff Trump's envoy on Gaza talks as second phase looms? </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link link--card-summary" href="/originals/2025/02/can-netanyahu-rebuff-trumps-envoy-gaza-talks-second-phase-looms" > US special envoy to the region Steve Witkoff is pushing the Netanyahu government to enter talks on the second phase of the deal, which should see the release of the rest of the hostages and the withdrawal of the Israeli military from the Gaza Strip. </a> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="authors"> <div class="authors__avatar"> <a class="link" href="/authors/ben-caspit.html" > <picture class="image" > <img class="image" src="https://www.al-monitor.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-04/Ben-Caspit-headshot.jpg?h=502e75fa&itok=N91f5MFO" alt="Ben Caspit" /> </picture> </a> </div> <div class="authors__name"> <a class="link" href="/authors/ben-caspit.html" > <div class="name"> <span class="byline-pretext byline-pretext__inline">By</span> <span class="subtitle--l">Ben Caspit</span> </div> <div class="tagline body--s">In <strong>Tel Aviv</strong>, reporting on <strong>national security, Israeli politics, defense</strong></div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-- card--default card--small"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/originals/2025/02/ukraines-zelenskyy-postpones-visit-saudi-arabia-apparent-snub-us" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-02/Zelenskyy%20Erdogan.jpeg?h=f28b6308&itok=d66ne-Tc" width="870" height="489" alt="Zelenskyy Erdogan" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/02/ukraines-zelenskyy-postpones-visit-saudi-arabia-apparent-snub-us" > Ukraine's Zelenskyy postpones visit to Saudi Arabia in apparent snub to US </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link link--card-summary" href="/originals/2025/02/ukraines-zelenskyy-postpones-visit-saudi-arabia-apparent-snub-us" > The move comes as direct talks between the United States and Russia are ongoing in Riyadh that the Ukrainian president described as a surprise to his country. </a> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <a class="country country--with-icon country--no-border" href="/turkey" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.0#turkey"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Turkey</div> </a> </div> </article> <article class="card card-- card--default card--small"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/originals/2025/02/zelenskyy-heads-turkey-meet-erdogan-amid-us-russia-talks" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-02/GettyImages-2061692472.jpg?h=c2859ddd&itok=cbFeBtZn" width="870" height="489" alt="Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) shakes hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (L) " /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/02/zelenskyy-heads-turkey-meet-erdogan-amid-us-russia-talks" > Zelenskyy heads to Turkey to meet with Erdogan amid US-Russia talks </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link link--card-summary" href="/originals/2025/02/zelenskyy-heads-turkey-meet-erdogan-amid-us-russia-talks" > The Ukrainian president's visit to Turkey will coincide with US-Russia talks on a potential ceasefire. </a> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <a class="country country--with-icon country--no-border" href="/turkey" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.0#turkey"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Turkey</div> </a> </div> </article> <article class="card card-- card--default card--small"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/originals/2025/02/first-regime-fall-syrias-asma-al-assad-breaks-silence-what-know" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-02/GettyImages-1257867389.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=SmMBSVZ3" width="870" height="489" alt="Syria's first lady Asma al-Assad harvests Damascena (Damask) roses in the village of al-Marah, in the Damascus countryside, Syria, May 25, 2023." /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/02/first-regime-fall-syrias-asma-al-assad-breaks-silence-what-know" > In first since regime fall, Syria’s Asma al-Assad breaks silence: What to know </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link link--card-summary" href="/originals/2025/02/first-regime-fall-syrias-asma-al-assad-breaks-silence-what-know" > In a series of posts on an X account attributed to her, Syria’s former first lady Asma al-Assad wished the Syrian people safety and said she will not intervene in political issues in the future. </a> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <a class="country country--with-icon country--no-border" href="/syria" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.0#syria"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Syria</div> </a> </div> </article> <article class="card card--analysis card--default card--small"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/originals/2025/02/france-sees-opening-trumps-usaid-cuts-lead-syria-humanitarian-aid" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-02/GettyImages-2198688813.jpg?h=a3683579&itok=HD4aKr33" width="870" height="489" alt="France's President Emmanuel Macron (C), Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (R) and Syria's Minister of Foreign Affairs Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani pose for a group photograph during the International Conference on Syria at the Ministerial Conference Center, in Paris on February 13, 2025. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / POOL / AFP) (Photo by LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__type card__type--analysis u-text-color--analysis"> <span class="eyebrow u-text-transform--uppercase"> Analysis </span> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/02/france-sees-opening-trumps-usaid-cuts-lead-syria-humanitarian-aid" > France sees opening in Trump's USAID cuts to lead Syria humanitarian aid </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link link--card-summary" href="/originals/2025/02/france-sees-opening-trumps-usaid-cuts-lead-syria-humanitarian-aid" > The Paris conference on Syria positions France at the forefront of international efforts to support the interim regime of Ahmed al-Sharaa. </a> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="authors"> <div class="authors__avatar"> <a class="link" href="/authors/rina-bassist.html" > <picture class="image" > <img class="image" src="https://www.al-monitor.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-07/rina-480x480-light.jpg?h=7f412c8f&itok=9UXg2MsR" alt="Rina Bassist" /> </picture> </a> </div> <div class="authors__name"> <a class="link" href="/authors/rina-bassist.html" > <div class="name"> <span class="byline-pretext byline-pretext__inline">By</span> <span class="subtitle--l">Rina Bassist</span> </div> <div class="tagline body--s">In <strong>Paris</strong>, reporting on <strong>Israeli politics and European affairs</strong></div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article class="card card--analysis card--default card--small"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/originals/2025/02/turkey-saudi-defense-ties-see-momentum-potential-6b-deal-what-know" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-02/GettyImages-1752569135%281%29%20copy.jpeg?h=72ae8f2b&itok=ejBZeBeU" width="870" height="489" alt="Turkish Air Force fighter jets perform a military parade over the Bosphorus on Oct. 29, 2023. " /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__type card__type--analysis u-text-color--analysis"> <span class="eyebrow u-text-transform--uppercase"> Analysis </span> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/02/turkey-saudi-defense-ties-see-momentum-potential-6b-deal-what-know" > Turkey-Saudi defense ties see momentum with potential $6B deal: What to know </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link link--card-summary" href="/originals/2025/02/turkey-saudi-defense-ties-see-momentum-potential-6b-deal-what-know" > The Turkish-Saudi defense collaboration faces challenges despite promising advancements. </a> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="authors"> <div class="authors__avatar"> <a class="link" href="/authors/barn-kayaoglu.html" > <picture class="image" > <img class="image" src="https://www.al-monitor.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/Barin%20%281%29.jpeg?h=55541bb6&itok=O4UKQ9xt" alt="Barin Kayaoglu" /> </picture> </a> </div> <div class="authors__name"> <a class="link" href="/authors/barn-kayaoglu.html" > <div class="name"> <span class="byline-pretext byline-pretext__inline">By</span> <span class="subtitle--l">Barin Kayaoglu</span> </div> <div class="tagline body--s">In <strong>Ankara</strong>, reporting on <strong>geopolitics and national security</strong></div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-- card--default card--small"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/originals/2025/02/where-us-saudi-ties-stand-trump-eyes-kingdom-russia-summit" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-02/GettyImages-685652252.jpg?h=fb5fb322&itok=bH2BSSyw" width="870" height="489" alt="US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump step off Air Force One upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on May 20, 2017. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/02/where-us-saudi-ties-stand-trump-eyes-kingdom-russia-summit" > Where US-Saudi ties stand as Trump eyes kingdom for Russia summit </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link link--card-summary" href="/originals/2025/02/where-us-saudi-ties-stand-trump-eyes-kingdom-russia-summit" > Saudi Arabia could host a meeting between the president and his Russian counterpart on the Ukraine war as investment ties grow and Trump helps move along the LIV Golf-PGA Tour merger. </a> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <a class="country country--with-icon country--no-border" href="/saudi-arabia" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.0#saudi-arabia"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Saudi Arabia</div> </a> </div> </article> <article class="card card--analysis card--default card--small"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/originals/2025/02/erdogans-asia-tour-seen-boost-turkeys-drone-industry-trade" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-02/GettyImages-2198288312.jpg?h=25b0645d&itok=k9YP9WI6" width="870" height="489" alt="Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) and Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (R) walk after a welcome ceremony in Putrajaya on February 11, 2025. (Photo by FAZRY ISMAIL / POOL / AFP) (Photo by FAZRY ISMAIL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__type card__type--analysis u-text-color--analysis"> <span class="eyebrow u-text-transform--uppercase"> Analysis </span> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/02/erdogans-asia-tour-seen-boost-turkeys-drone-industry-trade" > Erdogan's Asia tour seen as boost for Turkey’s drone industry, trade </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link link--card-summary" href="/originals/2025/02/erdogans-asia-tour-seen-boost-turkeys-drone-industry-trade" > The Turkish president’s visit to Malaysia, Indonesia and Pakistan focused on bolstering trade ties as Turkey looks to expand its presence in the Indo-Pacific region. </a> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="authors"> <div class="authors__avatar"> <a class="link" href="/authors/ezgi-akin.html" > <picture class="image" > <img class="image" src="https://www.al-monitor.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-04/IMG_0153.jpg?h=502e75fa&itok=I9IFt0g8" alt="Ezgi Akin" /> </picture> </a> </div> <div class="authors__name"> <a class="link" href="/authors/ezgi-akin.html" > <div class="name"> <span class="byline-pretext byline-pretext__inline">By</span> <span class="subtitle--l">Ezgi Akin</span> </div> <div class="tagline body--s">In <strong>Ankara</strong>, reporting on <strong>diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO</strong></div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article class="card card--exclusive card--default card--small"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/originals/2025/02/trump-netanyahu-have-full-understanding-iran-israel-mulls-strikes-nuclear-sites" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-02/GettyImages-1685052.jpg?h=0669990c&itok=_jiM3_Q0" width="870" height="489" alt="In SPACE - MAY 19: This image captured by a satellite on May 19, 2001 shows the Bushehr Reactor in Iran. The nuclear facility is located approximately 17 kilometers south of the city of Bushehr. The reactor complex occupies a 2.5 Square Kilometer site area, which includes assembly halls, a concrete channel for cooling water that runs from the reactors to the Gulf, and a the harbor, which supports loading and unloading of foreign materials needed for construction and reactor operation. There are two reactor " /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__type card__type--exclusive u-text-color--exclusive"> <span class="eyebrow u-text-transform--uppercase"> Exclusive </span> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/02/trump-netanyahu-have-full-understanding-iran-israel-mulls-strikes-nuclear-sites" > Trump, Netanyahu have 'full understanding' on Iran as Israel mulls strikes on nuclear sites </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link link--card-summary" href="/originals/2025/02/trump-netanyahu-have-full-understanding-iran-israel-mulls-strikes-nuclear-sites" > A senior Israeli diplomatic source confirmed to Al-Monitor, on condition of anonymity, that Israel and the United States have reached a “full understanding” on the Iranian issue. This includes agreed steps if Iran rejects a stricter nuclear deal than the 2015 accord abandoned by Trump in 2018. </a> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="authors"> <div class="authors__avatar"> <a class="link" href="/authors/ben-caspit.html" > <picture class="image" > <img class="image" src="https://www.al-monitor.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-04/Ben-Caspit-headshot.jpg?h=502e75fa&itok=N91f5MFO" alt="Ben Caspit" /> </picture> </a> </div> <div class="authors__name"> <a class="link" href="/authors/ben-caspit.html" > <div class="name"> <span class="byline-pretext byline-pretext__inline">By</span> <span class="subtitle--l">Ben Caspit</span> </div> <div class="tagline body--s">In <strong>Tel Aviv</strong>, reporting on <strong>national security, Israeli politics, defense</strong></div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-- card--default card--small"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/originals/2025/02/trump-admin-appears-relax-israels-deadline-withdraw-lebanon" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-02/GettyImages-2195870376%20copy.jpeg?h=a5ae579a&itok=U4pmwCPJ" width="870" height="489" alt="Lebanese children hold their national flag as they walk above the rubble of a destroyed building as families return with the Lebanese army to the southern village of Marwahin, near a border fence with Israel, on Jan. 28, 2025. " /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/02/trump-admin-appears-relax-israels-deadline-withdraw-lebanon" > Trump admin appears to relax Israel's deadline to withdraw from Lebanon </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link link--card-summary" href="/originals/2025/02/trump-admin-appears-relax-israels-deadline-withdraw-lebanon" > A Trump administration official put the onus of Israel's withdrawal on the Lebanese Army, questioning whether its forces were up to the task of backfilling positions vacated by the Israeli military. </a> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <a class="country country--with-icon country--no-border" href="/lebanon" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.0#lebanon"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Lebanon</div> </a> </div> </article> <article class="card card--analysis card--default card--small"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/originals/2025/02/squeezed-between-turkey-and-sharaa-syrias-kurds-face-stark-choices" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-02/sharaakobane.png?h=6a8ec7ce&itok=TVjoowa9" width="870" height="489" alt="Sharaa Kobane" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__type card__type--analysis u-text-color--analysis"> <span class="eyebrow u-text-transform--uppercase"> Analysis </span> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/02/squeezed-between-turkey-and-sharaa-syrias-kurds-face-stark-choices" > Squeezed between Turkey and Sharaa, Syria's Kurds face stark choices </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link link--card-summary" href="/originals/2025/02/squeezed-between-turkey-and-sharaa-syrias-kurds-face-stark-choices" > Syria’s Kurds risk losing autonomy amid Turkish opposition and uncertain US backing. </a> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="authors"> <div class="authors__avatar"> <a class="link" href="/authors/amberin-zaman.html" > <picture class="image" > <img class="image" src="https://www.al-monitor.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-06/AmberinZaman2-480x480.jpg?h=7f412c8f&itok=e2cJgWXs" alt="Amberin Zaman" /> </picture> </a> </div> <div class="authors__name"> <a class="link" href="/authors/amberin-zaman.html" > <div class="name"> <span class="byline-pretext byline-pretext__inline">By</span> <span class="subtitle--l">Amberin Zaman</span> </div> <div class="tagline body--s">In <strong>Paris</strong>, reporting on <strong>geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture</strong></div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article class="card card-- card--default card--small"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/originals/2025/02/lebanon-bars-iranian-flight-landing-beirut-sparking-protests" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-02/GettyImages-2165443923%20copy.jpeg?h=a5ae579a&itok=lIyakxkD" width="870" height="489" alt="A commercial aircraft takes off from the runway of Beirut's international airport near the city's southern suburbs on Aug. 9, 2024. " /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/02/lebanon-bars-iranian-flight-landing-beirut-sparking-protests" > Lebanon bars Iranian flight from landing in Beirut, sparking protests </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link link--card-summary" href="/originals/2025/02/lebanon-bars-iranian-flight-landing-beirut-sparking-protests" > The incident marks the latest in a series at the Beirut airport, which has been a key point of tension between Iran and people within Lebanon’s government who are cautiously distancing themselves from Iran’s influence. </a> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <a class="country country--with-icon country--no-border" href="/lebanon" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.0#lebanon"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Lebanon</div> </a> </div> </article> </div> </section> <section class="section section--in-house-ad 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