AL-Monitor: The Middle East始s leading independent news source since 2012

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8" /> <style>/* @see https://github.com/aFarkas/lazysizes#broken-image-symbol */.js img.lazyload:not([src]) { visibility: hidden; }/* @see https://github.com/aFarkas/lazysizes#automatically-setting-the-sizes-attribute */.js img.lazyloaded[data-sizes=auto] { display: block; width: 100%; }/* Transition effect. */.js .lazyload, .js .lazyloading { opacity: 0; }.js .lazyloaded { opacity: 1; -webkit-transition: opacity 2000ms; transition: opacity 2000ms; }</style> <link rel="shortlink" href="https://www.al-monitor.com/" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.al-monitor.com/" /> <link rel="icon" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/favicon.ico" /> <link rel="mask-icon" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/globe.svg" /> <link rel="icon" sizes="16x16" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/apple-touch-icon-16x16.png" /> <link rel="icon" sizes="32x32" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/apple-touch-icon-32x32.png" /> <link rel="icon" sizes="96x96" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/apple-touch-icon-96x96.png" /> <link rel="icon" sizes="192x192" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/apple-touch-icon-192x192.png" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/apple-touch-icon-60x60.png" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="72x72" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/apple-touch-icon-72x72.png" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="76x76" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/apple-touch-icon-76x76.png" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="114x114" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/apple-touch-icon-114x114.png" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="120x120" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/apple-touch-icon-120x120.png" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="144x144" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/apple-touch-icon-144x144.png" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="152x152" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/apple-touch-icon-152x152.png" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="180x180" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/apple-touch-icon-180x180.png" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/apple-touch-icon-57x57.png" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="72x72" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/apple-touch-icon-72x72.png" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="76x76" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/apple-touch-icon-76x76.png" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="114x114" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/apple-touch-icon-114x114.png" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="120x120" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/apple-touch-icon-120x120.png" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="144x144" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/apple-touch-icon-144x144.png" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="152x152" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/apple-touch-icon-152x152.png" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="180x180" href="/themes/custom/alm/icons/apple-touch-icon-180x180.png" /> <meta name="Generator" content="Drupal 10 (https://www.drupal.org)" /> <meta name="MobileOptimized" content="width" /> <meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="true" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" /> <meta name="apple-itunes-app" content="app-id=6478243264" /> <title>AL-Monitor: The Middle East始s leading independent news source since 2012</title> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_3lfSKd-8MhYAw3NFz6_hBXSvXdfFjX3vMB-laJd1SpA.css?delta=0&language=en&theme=alm&include=eJw9jEEOwyAMBD-EsHrsa5ABE9EYXNlum_6-JIdeRrMaaZEHoHq63QMubTLdLttYMnLI5E6a6HiKUU2t85oGG03SlctOtbtowlJEa5cJf4tN1xvNGhrjBici97knfOAR7GtOAzIahXenj8HFOKS-mH4aljoi" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://web-player.art19.com/assets/current.css" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Barlow:ital,wght@0,400;0,500;0,600;0,700;1,400;1,500;1,600;1,700&display=fallback" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_4LtTsAbUAd1mPRp9eFoUMmXjAsizLbx4uepdj9PBD7w.css?delta=3&language=en&theme=alm&include=eJw9jEEOwyAMBD-EsHrsa5ABE9EYXNlum_6-JIdeRrMaaZEHoHq63QMubTLdLttYMnLI5E6a6HiKUU2t85oGG03SlctOtbtowlJEa5cJf4tN1xvNGhrjBici97knfOAR7GtOAzIahXenj8HFOKS-mH4aljoi" />  <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-PNJ4B4R');</script>  <script type="text/javascript" async>function r(e){/in/.test(document.readyState)?setTimeout("r("+e+")",9):e()}function callback(e){console.log("reply",e)}r(function(){var e=new XMLHttpRequest;e.onreadystatechange=function(){4==e.readyState&&200==e.status&&callback(e.responseText)};var t=window.location.href;e.open("POST","https://ipapi.optiryte.com/api/IP?Token=YOUR_TRACKING_CODE",!0),e.setRequestHeader("content-type","application/x-www-form-urlencoded"),e.send(t)});</script>  <script> !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) {if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)}; if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); fbq('init', '966621336700630'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); // Circlebrain fbq('init', '1569525037283060'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); </script>   <script> !function(e,t,n,s,u,a){e.twq||(s=e.twq=function(){s.exe?s.exe.apply(s,arguments):s.queue.push(arguments); },s.version='1.1',s.queue=[],u=t.createElement(n),u.async=!0,u.src='//static.ads-twitter.com/uwt.js', a=t.getElementsByTagName(n)[0],a.parentNode.insertBefore(u,a))}(window,document,'script'); // Insert Twitter Pixel ID and Standard Event data below twq('init','nxhis'); twq('track','PageView'); </script>  </head> <body class="alias--front logged-out front dark-header fixed-header">  <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-PNJ4B4R" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>   <noscript><img height="1" width="1" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=966621336700630&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/></noscript>   <noscript><img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1569525037283060&ev=PageView&noscript=1" /></noscript> <a href="#main-content" class="visually-hidden focusable"> Skip to main content </a> <div class="dialog-off-canvas-main-canvas" data-off-canvas-main-canvas> <div class="layout-container" data-overlay-visible="false"> <div class="alm-overlay"></div> <header id="header" class="header header--fixed header--dark"> <div class="header__inner"> <div class="header__primary"> <div class="header__primary_content"> <div class="header__search_nav"> <a href="#" id="toggle-expand" class="toggle-expand"> <svg class="toggle-expand__icon" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#discover"></use> </svg> <svg class="toggle-expand-dark__icon" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#discover-dark"></use> </svg> </a> <div class="header__search_links"> <a href="/explore" class="button--tertiary explore-search" title="Search and explore Al-Monitor"> <span class="icon"> <img class="default" src= "/themes/custom/alm/images/icons/magnifiying-glass.svg" aria-hidden="true" alt="search icon"/> <img class="on-hover u-display--none" src= "/themes/custom/alm/images/icons/magnifiying-glass-white.svg" aria-hidden="true" alt="search icon"/> </span> </a> <a href="/newsletter/subscribe" class="button button--bare button--xsmall">Newsletters</a> <a href="/events" class="button button--bare button--xsmall">Events</a> </div> </div> <div class="header__branding"> <a class="logo-link" href="/" > <img class="logo__image" src="/themes/custom/alm/images/logo.svg" alt="Logo" /> <img class="logo_dark__image" src="/themes/custom/alm/images/logo-dark.svg" alt="Logo" /> </a> </div> <div class="header__user_tools"> <div class="header__user_tools_links"> <div class="user-menu--container"> <ul class="user-menu" id="user-menu"> <li class="item"> <a href="/pro/subscribe" class="user-menu__link button button--primary button--xsmall" data-drupal-link-system-path="pro/subscribe">Subscribe</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/user/login?current=/syria" class="user-menu__link button button--bare button--xsmall" data-drupal-link-system-path="user/login">Sign in</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="header__middle"> <div class="header__middle_content"> <h5 class="h5 h5--site-slogan"> The Middle East始s leading independent news source since 2012 </h5> </div> </div> <div class="header__secondary"> <div class="header__menu"> <div class="auxiliary-menu auxiliary-menu--header auxiliary-menu--before"> <button class="button button--bare button--close"> <svg class="icon" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#close"></use> </svg> <span class="visually-hidden">Close Menu</span> </button> <div data-bef-auto-submit-full-form="" data-bef-auto-submit="" data-bef-auto-submit-delay="500" data-bef-auto-submit-minimum-length="3" data-drupal-selector="views-exposed-form-search-page-1" class="block views-exposed-form bef-exposed-form"> <h2 class="h2">Search</h2> <form action="/search" method="get" id="views-exposed-form-search-page-1" accept-charset="UTF-8"> <div action="/search" method="get" id="views-exposed-form-search-page-1" accept-charset="UTF-8" class="placeholder-icon"> <svg width="33" height="33" viewBox="0 0 33 33" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <path d="M26.3402 25.7728L21.3402 20.7728M7.00684 14.7728C7.00684 10.1704 10.7378 6.43945 15.3402 6.43945C19.9425 6.43945 23.6735 10.1704 23.6735 14.7728C23.6735 19.3752 19.9425 23.1061 15.3402 23.1061C10.7378 23.1061 7.00684 19.3752 7.00684 14.7728Z" stroke="#242424" stroke-width="1.5" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"/> </svg> </div> <div class="js-form-item form-item"> <input placeholder="Keywords, topics and authors" data-drupal-selector="edit-text" type="text" id="edit-text" name="text" value="" size="30" maxlength="128" class="form-text form-item__textfield" /> </div> <div data-drupal-selector="edit-actions" class="form-actions js-form-wrapper form-wrapper" id="edit-actions"> <button data-bef-auto-submit-click="" class="js-hide button js-form-submit form-submit search-submit-button button--imaged input-button-converted" data-drupal-selector="edit-submit-search" type="submit" id="edit-submit-search" value="Search"> <span class="icon"><?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <svg id="Layer_1" data-name="Layer 1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 33 33"> <defs> <style> .cls-1 { fill: none; stroke: #fff; stroke-linecap: round; stroke-linejoin: round; stroke-width: 1.5px; } </style> </defs> <path class="cls-1" d="M26.3,25.8l-5-5M7,14.8c0-4.6,3.7-8.3,8.3-8.3s8.3,3.7,8.3,8.3-3.7,8.3-8.3,8.3-8.3-3.7-8.3-8.3Z"/> </svg></span> <span class="text u-visually-hidden"> Search </span> </button> </div> </form> </div> </div> <nav role="navigation" aria-labelledby="block-alm-main-menu-menu" id="block-alm-main-menu"> <h2 class="visually-hidden" id="block-alm-main-menu-menu">Main navigation</h2> <nav> <div id="main-nav" class="main-nav"> <ul class="main-menu"> <li class="item"> <a href="/politics-security" class="main-menu__link">Politics & Security</a> </li> <li class="item item--separator"> <svg class="icon" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#menu-separator"></use> </svg> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/culture" class="main-menu__link">Culture</a> </li> <li class="item item--separator"> <svg class="icon" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#menu-separator"></use> </svg> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/technology" class="main-menu__link">Technology</a> </li> <li class="item item--separator"> <svg class="icon" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#menu-separator"></use> </svg> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/economy-business" class="main-menu__link">Economy & Business</a> </li> <li class="item item--separator"> <svg class="icon" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#menu-separator"></use> </svg> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/explore" class="main-menu__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="explore">Explore</a> </li> <li class="item item--separator"> <svg class="icon" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#menu-separator"></use> </svg> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/interviews" class="main-menu__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="interviews">Interviews</a> </li> <li class="item item--separator"> <svg class="icon" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#menu-separator"></use> </svg> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/events" class="main-menu__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="events">Events</a> </li> <li class="item item--separator"> <svg class="icon" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#menu-separator"></use> </svg> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/authors" class="main-menu__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="authors">Journalists</a> </li> <li class="item item--separator"> <svg class="icon" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#menu-separator"></use> </svg> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/newsletter/subscribe" class="main-menu__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="newsletter/subscribe">Newsletters</a> </li> </ul> </div> </nav> </nav> <nav role="navigation" aria-labelledby="block-alm-secondarynavigation-menu" id="block-alm-secondarynavigation"> <h2 class="visually-hidden" id="block-alm-secondarynavigation-menu">Secondary Navigation</h2> <nav class="secondary-nav__wrapper" data-with-expander="true"> <div id="secondary-nav" class="secondary-nav"> <ul class="secondary-menu"> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/turkey" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#turkey"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Turkey</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/syria" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#syria"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Syria</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/saudi-arabia" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#saudi-arabia"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Saudi Arabia</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/iran" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#iran"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Iran</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/united-arab-emirates" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#united-arab-emirates"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">United Arab Emirates</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/palestine" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#palestine"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Palestine</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/israel" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#israel"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Israel</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/egypt" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#egypt"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Egypt</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/china" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#china"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">China</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/united-states" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#united-states"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">United States</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/russia" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#russia"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Russia</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/qatar" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#qatar"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Qatar</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/lebanon" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#lebanon"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Lebanon</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/oman" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#oman"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Oman</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/iraq" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#iraq"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Iraq</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/jordan" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#jordan"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Jordan</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/algeria" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#algeria"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Algeria</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/bahrain" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#bahrain"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Bahrain</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/kuwait" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#kuwait"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Kuwait</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/libya" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#libya"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Libya</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/morocco" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#morocco"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Morocco</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/sudan" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#sudan"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Sudan</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/tunisia" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#tunisia"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Tunisia</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/yemen" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#yemen"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Yemen</div> </a> </li> <li class="item"> <a class="country country--with-icon" href="/somalia" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#somalia"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Somalia</div> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="expander"> <button class="expander__button button button--alt button--border-thin button--small u-font-weight--semiBold" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="secondary-nav" aria-label="show all acountries"> See all </button> </div> </nav> </nav> </div> </div> </div> </header> <div class="main"> <a id="main-content" tabindex="-1"></a> <main role="main" class="main-content"> <div> <div id="block-alm-content" class="block"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-108edb24c36b80c4f7562e10483ebb89ba4cde581093a1d0cdb25ce6ed638445 view--frontpage view--frontpage--page"> <article class="node node--view-mode-front-page-hero"> <div class="node__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-front-page-hero"> <div> <picture loading="eager" data-lazy="1 87660" width="1280" height="1374" class="image" >  <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/front_page_hero_large/public/2025-03/china.jpeg?h=4aa12acf&itok=AJdKVXRq 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1280px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1440" height="900"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/front_page_hero_medium/public/2025-03/china.jpeg?h=4aa12acf&itok=bnCCn3sm 1x" media="all and (min-width: 720px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1280" height="1374"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/front_page_hero_small/public/2025-03/china.jpeg?h=4aa12acf&itok=lmG2X67P 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/2025-03/china.jpeg?h=4aa12acf&itok=bnCCn3sm" alt="Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa meets with Chinese Ambassador to Damascus Shi Hongwei on Feb. 22, 2025." /> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="node__content"> <div class="node__text_container"> <div class="node__content_header"> <div class="pill pill--analysis"> Analysis </div> </div> <div class="node__text"> <h2 class="h2"> <a class="h2__link" href="/originals/2025/03/china-opens-sharaa-uyghurs-and-reconstruction-shadow-future-ties-syria" > <span>As China opens to Sharaa, Uyghurs and reconstruction shadow future ties with Syria</span> </a> </h2> <p class="summary__paragraph"> China鈥檚 approach to Syria will likely hinge on what the new government does about the Uyghurs in its ranks. </p> </div> <div class="node__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> </div> </div> </article> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-8156e899b7853502d7bc4893550f115381c0f0170dfe1d5ab49dc58ac91a961d view--frontpage view--frontpage--leading"> <section class="section section--leading-news section--front-page section--constrain"> <div class="section--content section--content--constrain"> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> <div class="grid grid--featured-content"> <div class="grid__start"> <div class="vertical-listing-medium"> <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/2025/03/drones-and-diplomacy-can-turkey-help-somalia-fight-al-shabab" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-03/GettyImages-529570910.jpg?h=1619eff3&itok=d7Z2xvi1" width="870" height="489" alt="Somali security forces personnel and police secure the area at the scene of a car bomb explosion in Mogadishu, Somalia on May 9, 2016. Islamic jihadists killed three police officers in a bomb and gun attack on a police station in the Somali capital, city authorities said. / AFP / MOHAMED ABDIWAHAB (Photo credit should read MOHAMED ABDIWAHAB/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/2025/03/drones-and-diplomacy-can-turkey-help-somalia-fight-al-shabab" > Drones and diplomacy: Can Turkey help Somalia fight Al-Shabab? </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link link--card-summary" href="/originals/2025/03/drones-and-diplomacy-can-turkey-help-somalia-fight-al-shabab" > Experts think Turkey should do more to address Somalia鈥檚 deep-seated clan divisions and foster political alliances, in addition to providing its military support. </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/2025/03/what-does-netanyahus-judicial-law-mean-israels-separation-powers" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-03/GettyImages-2205992898.jpg?h=b2c59e98&itok=B5LDE30n" width="870" height="489" alt="Amir Levy/Getty Images" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/03/what-does-netanyahus-judicial-law-mean-israels-separation-powers" > What does Netanyahu's judicial law mean for Israel's separation of powers? </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link link--card-summary" href="/originals/2025/03/what-does-netanyahus-judicial-law-mean-israels-separation-powers" > In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Yesh Atid's Karin Elharar slammed the new composition of the nominating committee for judges, a move, she said, toward the government鈥檚 goal of eroding the judiciary's power. </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?v1.2#israel"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Israel</div> </a> </div> </article> </div> </div> <div class="grid__middle"> <div class="vertical-listing"> <article class="card card--afp 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/2025/03/syria-interim-president-names-new-government-dominated-allies" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-03/58a61d0441cd906ac5627f016c4924f768300f75.jpg?h=69f2b9d0&itok=XXQ2_a3J" width="870" height="489" alt="Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced the formation of a new government, reaffirming his commitment to 'building a strong and stable state'" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/03/syria-interim-president-names-new-government-dominated-allies" > Syria interim president names new government dominated by allies </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <span class="subtitle--l">Agence France-Presse</span> </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/2025/03/senate-bill-advances-can-congress-pressure-latin-america-root-out-hezbollah" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-03/GettyImages-2205144618.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=fZpzi6eX" width="870" height="489" alt="Tasos Katopodis/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/2025/03/senate-bill-advances-can-congress-pressure-latin-america-root-out-hezbollah" > As Senate bill advances, can Congress pressure Latin America to root out Hezbollah? </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link link--card-summary" href="/originals/2025/03/senate-bill-advances-can-congress-pressure-latin-america-root-out-hezbollah" > Senators advanced a bipartisan bill on Thursday that would threaten foreign governments with visa bans聽if they fail to contain Hezbollah activity in their territories. </a> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="authors"> <div class="authors__avatar"> <a class="link" href="/authors/megan-mineiro" > <picture class="image" > <img class="image" src="https://www.al-monitor.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-04/Megan%20Mineiro%20Headshot.JPG?h=55541bb6&itok=W-dEEyvK" alt="Megan Mineiro" /> </picture> </a> </div> <div class="authors__name"> <a class="link" href="/authors/megan-mineiro" > <div class="name"> <span class="byline-pretext byline-pretext__inline">By</span> <span class="subtitle--l">Megan Mineiro</span> </div> <div class="tagline body--s">In <strong>Washington, DC</strong>, reporting on <strong>US Congress</strong></div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> <div class="grid__end"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-99016a3932211d3788ce783d4d71f399839c1d66bc5e2d3b14334038c49a2570 view--frontpage view--frontpage--leading_rest"> <div class="vertical-list"> <h3 class="h3 h3--section-title"> Latest News </h3> <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/2025/03/what-do-rare-anti-hamas-protests-mean-gaza-palestinian-rivals" > What do rare anti-Hamas protests mean for Gaza, Palestinian 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/2025-03/GettyImages-2206463931.jpg?h=2992ba0a&itok=K_HGArKU" width="480" height="480" alt="Palestinians chant slogans during an anti-Hamas protest, calling for an end to the war with Israel, in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on March 26, 2025. Demonstrators carrying banners were seen marching in Gaza City and the town of Beit Lahia in the north of the territory, more than a week after the Israeli army resumed its bombing campaign following nearly two months of a truce. (Photo by Youssef Alzanoun / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by YOUSSEF ALZANOUN/Middle East Image" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <a class="country country--with-icon country--no-border" href="/palestine" > <svg class="icon icon--country" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#palestine"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Palestine</div> </a> </div> </article> <article class="card card--analysis card--default card--xsmall"> <div class="card__col-one"> <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/2025/03/defiance-dialogue-how-close-are-iran-and-trump-breakthrough-nuclear-program" > From defiance to dialogue: How close are Iran and Trump to breakthrough on nuclear program? </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/2025-03/GettyImages-1181344475%20copy.jpeg?h=a5ae579a&itok=lXc-3mxR" width="480" height="480" alt="A picture taken on Nov. 10, 2019, shows workers on a construction site in Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant during an official ceremony to kick-start works for a second reactor at the facility." /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="authors"> <div class="authors__avatar"> <a class="link" href="/authors/an-al-monitor-correspondent-in-t.html" > <picture class="image" > <img class="image" src="https://www.al-monitor.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-03/globe.png?h=6464a87b&itok=2ZdBWbNr" alt="A correspondent in Tehran" /> </picture> </a> </div> <div class="authors__name"> <a class="link" href="/authors/an-al-monitor-correspondent-in-t.html" > <div class="name"> <span class="byline-pretext byline-pretext__inline">By</span> <span class="subtitle--l">A correspondent in Tehran</span> </div> <div class="tagline body--s">In <strong>Tehran</strong>, reporting on <strong>politics</strong></div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article class="card card--analysis card--default card--xsmall"> <div class="card__col-one"> <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/2025/03/are-lebanon-syria-ripe-peace-israel-or-cusp-more-escalation" > Are Lebanon, Syria ripe for peace with Israel or on cusp of more escalation? </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/2025-03/GettyImages-2206318184.jpg?h=476030cb&itok=Uk8CPIpv" width="480" height="480" alt="An Israeli soldier checks a Merkava battle tank deployed at a position in the Israel-annexed Golan Heights along the border with southern Syria on March 25, 2025. Israel's military said it carried out a second strike in Syria on March 25, in response to incoming fire from across the demarcation line, hours after Syrian authorities reported that at least five people had been killed as a result of Israeli shelling. (Photo by Jalaa MAREY / AFP) (Photo by JALAA MAREY/AFP via Getty Images)" /> </div> </div> </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--xsmall"> <div class="card__col-one"> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/03/israel-strikes-beirut-first-time-hezbollah-israel-ceasefire-what-know" > Israel strikes Beirut for first time since Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire: 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/2025-03/GettyImages-2206636248.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=7BNGz222" width="480" height="480" alt="AFP via Getty Images" /> </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?v1.2#lebanon"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Lebanon</div> </a> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="split-60-40 split-60-40--daily-briefing split-60-40--no-divider u-margin-top--8"> <div class="split-60-40__region split-60-40__region--60"> <h2 class="h2 heading"> Subscribe to the Daily Briefing for only $1.67 per month. </h2> <p class="body body--m u-font-weight--medium"> The most authoritative roundup for Middle East news everyday in your inbox. </p> <a class="link button" href="/pro/subscribe" > Subscribe </a> <div class="split-60-40__reasons_to_buy u-margin-top--8"> <h3 class="reasons_to_buy__heading h4">What you get</h3> <ul class="list list--with-icon list--checkDiamond"> <li class="list__item"> <div class="item__icon"> <svg class="icon" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#checkmark"></use> </svg> </div> <div class="item__content"> Daily email with comprehensive regional news coverage </div> </li> <li class="list__item"> <div class="item__icon"> <svg class="icon" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#checkmark"></use> </svg> </div> <div class="item__content"> Start with a two-week free trial </div> </li> <li class="list__item"> <div class="item__icon"> <svg class="icon" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#checkmark"></use> </svg> </div> <div class="item__content"> Summary of all key insights from our in-country journalists. </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="split-60-40__region split-60-40__region--40"> <img class="image" src="/themes/custom/alm/images/newsletters/daily-briefing-rotated-grid_3x.png" /> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-bc42375fe13a76bf57b8b4908f91c21aea52c65eade2a57c493e44b4a87666e6 view--breaking-news view--breaking-news--block_1"> <section class="section section--breaking-news section--front-page section--constrain"> <div class="section--content section--content--constrain"> <div class="scroller"> <div class="scroller__content"> <article class="card card--afp 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/2025/03/day-funerals-gazans-mark-grim-eid-under-israeli-strikes" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-03/cd5ff83d8e255caff08e7d4c58044ff0d2f8d558.jpg?h=69f2b9d0&itok=xbifXGmN" width="870" height="489" alt="Gazans have been marking Eid al-Fitr amid the ruins of Gaza as the war between Israel and Hamas resumes" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/03/day-funerals-gazans-mark-grim-eid-under-israeli-strikes" > 'Day of funerals,' Gazans mark grim Eid under Israeli strikes </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <span class="subtitle--l">Agence France-Presse</span> </div> </article> <article class="card card--afp 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/2025/03/netanyahu-offers-hamas-leaders-gaza-exit-demands-group-disarm" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-03/82611ad5f0b28036b13cea67559ea8e86da2b151.jpg?h=69f2b9d0&itok=keMbgoOX" width="870" height="489" alt="Israel struck Gaza again on Sunday as locals marked the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/03/netanyahu-offers-hamas-leaders-gaza-exit-demands-group-disarm" > Netanyahu offers Hamas leaders Gaza exit but demands group disarm </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <span class="subtitle--l">Agence France-Presse</span> </div> </article> <article class="card card--afp 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/2025/03/sudan-paramilitary-chief-admits-withdrawal-capital" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-03/7df98b475cdebabd2af9a9519622836b571fe520.jpg?h=69f2b9d0&itok=Z5qcX7D7" width="870" height="489" alt="Damaged buildings in southern Khartoum after Sudan's army recaptured the capital" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/03/sudan-paramilitary-chief-admits-withdrawal-capital" > Sudan paramilitary chief admits withdrawal from capital </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <span class="subtitle--l">Agence France-Presse</span> </div> </article> <article class="card card--afp 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/2025/03/iran-police-disperse-pro-hijab-protesters-outside-parliament" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2025-03/69f74128c16537c8cb07a53f7edf4bd4b1866e52.jpg?h=69f2b9d0&itok=GbgWtSsC" width="870" height="489" alt="Increasing numbers of Iranian women have flouted the law on mandatory head covering" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/03/iran-police-disperse-pro-hijab-protesters-outside-parliament" > Iran police disperse pro-hijab protesters outside parliament </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <span class="subtitle--l">Agence France-Presse</span> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-d32a30eade2e4a636731a6726a10e9d45aa128094f9d56a6a2aa723ed760b389 view--front-editors-choice view--front-editors-choice--featured"> <section class="section section--editors-choice section--front-page section--constrain item-list"> <div class="section--heading section--heading--constrain"> <div class="section--heading__start"> <h3 class="h3 h3--section-title h3--section-container-heading"> Editor's choice </h3> <p class="body body--s"> Three stories hand-picked by our editorial team. </p> </div> <div class="section--heading__end"> </div> </div> <div class="section--content section--content--constrain"> <ol class="list list--editors-choice"> <li class="item"> <article class="card card--ordered card--xsmall"> <div class="card__contentArea"> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading h5"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/03/protests-over-imamoglu-arrest-rock-turkey-whats-next-erdogan" > As protests over Imamoglu arrest rock Turkey, what's next for Erdogan? </a> </h2> </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> <svg class="icon icon--separator" aria-hidden="true" role="img" > <use xlink:href="icons.svg?v1.2#menu-separator"></use> </svg> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li class="item"> <article class="card card--ordered card--xsmall"> <div class="card__contentArea"> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading h5"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/03/ai-aluminum-and-chips-decoding-uaes-sheikh-tahnoons-visit-trump" > AI, aluminum and chips: Decoding UAE's Sheikh Tahnoon's visit to Trump </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="authors"> <div class="authors__avatar"> <a class="link" href="/authors/jack-dutton" > <picture class="image" > <img class="image" src="https://www.al-monitor.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-04/Profile-shot-3-%281%29.jpg?h=502e75fa&itok=bfs8C-67" alt="Jack Dutton" /> </picture> </a> </div> <div class="authors__name"> <a class="link" href="/authors/jack-dutton" > <div class="name"> <span class="byline-pretext byline-pretext__inline">By</span> <span class="subtitle--l">Jack Dutton</span> </div> <div class="tagline body--s">In <strong>Bristol</strong>, reporting on <strong>regional business, climate change, AI, tech</strong></div> </a> </div> </div> <svg class="icon icon--separator" aria-hidden="true" role="img" > <use xlink:href="icons.svg?v1.2#menu-separator"></use> </svg> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li class="item"> <article class="card card--ordered card--xsmall"> <div class="card__contentArea"> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading h5"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/03/syrias-draft-constitution-separation-powers-territorial-unity-and-islamic" > Syria's draft constitution: Separation of powers, territorial unity and Islamic jurisprudence </a> </h2> </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?v1.2#syria"></use> </svg> <div class="country--name">Syria</div> </a> <svg class="icon icon--separator" aria-hidden="true" role="img" > <use xlink:href="icons.svg?v1.2#menu-separator"></use> </svg> </div> </div> </article> </li> </ol> <div class="ctaNewsletters ctaNewsletters--column"> <div class="ctaNewsletters__media ctaNewsletters__media--column" style="background-image: url('/themes/custom/alm/images/newsletters/newsletter-grid-updated.png')"></div> <div class="ctaNewsletters__content ctaNewsletters__content--column"> <div class="ctaNewsletters__heading ctaNewsletters__heading--"> <h2 class="heading"> Stay informed with our daily and weekly newsletters </h2> </div> <div class="ctaNewsletters__logos ctaNewsletters__logos--"> <div class="logoBanner"> <div class="logoBanner__heading"> <h3 class="heading h6"> Read By </h3> </div> <div class="logoBanner__logos"> <img class="image" src="/themes/custom/alm/images/logo-third-party/logo-white-house.svg" alt="White House logo" /> <img class="image" src="/themes/custom/alm/images/logo-third-party/logo-un.svg" alt="United Nations logo" /> <img class="image" src="/themes/custom/alm/images/logo-third-party/logo-eu.svg" alt="European Union logo" /> <img class="image" src="/themes/custom/alm/images/logo-third-party/logo-tcdb.svg" alt="Republic of T眉rkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo" /> <img class="image" src="/themes/custom/alm/images/logo-third-party/logo-fco.svg" alt="Foreign and Commonwealth Office logo" /> <img class="image" src="/themes/custom/alm/images/logo-third-party/logo-harvard.svg" alt="Harvard University logo" /> <img class="image" src="/themes/custom/alm/images/logo-third-party/logo-nato.svg" alt="NATO Logo" /> <img class="image" src="/themes/custom/alm/images/logo-third-party/logo-ministry-of-energy-saudi-arabia.svg" alt="Saudi Arabia Ministry Of Energy Logo" /> <img class="image" src="/themes/custom/alm/images/logo-third-party/logo-uae.svg" alt="United Arab Emirates Cabinet Logo" /> <img class="image" src="/themes/custom/alm/images/logo-third-party/logo-world-bank-2.svg" alt="World Bank logo" /> <img class="image" src="/themes/custom/alm/images/logo-third-party/logo-cfr.svg" alt="Council on Foreign Relations logo" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ctaNewsletters__link"> <a class="link button button--alt" href="/newsletter/subscribe" > See all newsletters </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <section class="section section--city-pulse section--constrain"> <div class="section--content section--content--constrain"> <div class="block"> <div class="cta cta--city-pulse-interactive-signup" data-total-selected="1" > <div class="city-pulse-interactive-signup__container city-pulse-interactive-signup__container--first"> <div class="heading_container__column heading_container__column--one"> <h2 class="heading h5"> Discover the Pulse of the Middle&nbspEast's Most Dynamic&nbspCities! </h2> <p class="paragraph subtitle--s subheading"> Select one or more cities and get a weekly email for the latest in the arts, music, cuisine and entertainment. </p> </div> <div class="heading_container__column heading_container__column--two"> <div class="city-pulse-logo"> <img src="/themes/custom/alm/images/logo-citypulse.svg" alt="AL-Monitor City Pulse logo" aria-hidden="true"/> </div> </div> </div> <div class="city-pulse-interactive-signup__container city-pulse-interactive-signup__container--second"> <div class="subscribeForm"> <div class="subscribeForm__container subscribeForm__container--one"> <div id="city-pulse-form-wrapper"><form class="city-pulse-form" id="city-pulse-form" data-drupal-selector="city-pulse-form" action="/" method="post" accept-charset="UTF-8"> <div class="city_pulse_newsletter_options js-form-wrapper form-wrapper" data-drupal-selector="edit-city-pulse-newsletter-options" id="edit-city-pulse-newsletter-options"><div id="edit-newsletter-checkboxes" class="form-item--checkboxes"><div class="js-form-item form-item"> <input data-drupal-selector="edit-newsletter-checkboxes-a41af3fba28b03346190776b3e6b4940" type="checkbox" id="edit-newsletter-checkboxes-a41af3fba28b03346190776b3e6b4940" name="newsletter_checkboxes[a41af3fba28b03346190776b3e6b4940]" value="a41af3fba28b03346190776b3e6b4940" class="form-checkbox form-item__textfield" /> <label for="edit-newsletter-checkboxes-a41af3fba28b03346190776b3e6b4940" class="option form-item__label"><span class="city-pulse-newsletter-option" data-city="riyadh"><span class="newsletter-title">Riyadh</span><span class="frequency" hidden>Weekly</span><span class="description" hidden><p>A rundown of the latest cultural events and lifestyle trends in the Saudi commercial hub written weekly by Rebecca Proctor.</p></span></span></label> </div> <div class="js-form-item form-item"> <input data-drupal-selector="edit-newsletter-checkboxes-1fd75a068d1960ddd08ee2cc71436271" type="checkbox" id="edit-newsletter-checkboxes-1fd75a068d1960ddd08ee2cc71436271" name="newsletter_checkboxes[1fd75a068d1960ddd08ee2cc71436271]" value="1fd75a068d1960ddd08ee2cc71436271" class="form-checkbox form-item__textfield" /> <label for="edit-newsletter-checkboxes-1fd75a068d1960ddd08ee2cc71436271" class="option form-item__label"><span class="city-pulse-newsletter-option" data-city="istanbul"><span class="newsletter-title">Istanbul</span><span class="frequency" hidden>Weekly</span><span class="description" hidden><p>A weekly exploration of Istanbul鈥檚 vibrant arts and culture scene written by Turkish culture enthusiast Nazlan Ertan. The edition is packed with insights on key social happenings and off the beaten path recommendations.</p></span></span></label> </div> <div class="js-form-item form-item"> <input data-drupal-selector="edit-newsletter-checkboxes-2a69a053146868f29c45dc955c61def8" type="checkbox" id="edit-newsletter-checkboxes-2a69a053146868f29c45dc955c61def8" name="newsletter_checkboxes[2a69a053146868f29c45dc955c61def8]" value="2a69a053146868f29c45dc955c61def8" class="form-checkbox form-item__textfield" /> <label for="edit-newsletter-checkboxes-2a69a053146868f29c45dc955c61def8" class="option form-item__label"><span class="city-pulse-newsletter-option" data-city="dubai"><span class="newsletter-title">Dubai</span><span class="frequency" hidden>Weekly</span><span class="description" hidden><p>Rebecca Proctor offers a guide to Dubai鈥檚 nightlife, art and proliferating music and food scene as the Gulf metropolis solidifies itself as a regional culture hub.</p></span></span></label> </div> <div class="js-form-item form-item"> <input data-drupal-selector="edit-newsletter-checkboxes-0688501cab0523fb3dbb2e75df88529d" type="checkbox" id="edit-newsletter-checkboxes-0688501cab0523fb3dbb2e75df88529d" name="newsletter_checkboxes[0688501cab0523fb3dbb2e75df88529d]" value="0688501cab0523fb3dbb2e75df88529d" class="form-checkbox form-item__textfield" /> <label for="edit-newsletter-checkboxes-0688501cab0523fb3dbb2e75df88529d" class="option form-item__label"><span class="city-pulse-newsletter-option" data-city="doha"><span class="newsletter-title">Doha</span><span class="frequency" hidden>Weekly</span><span class="description" hidden><p>Reve Chaaban unpacks the latest from Doha鈥檚 culture and lifestyle scene and the influence of Qatari history on the city鈥檚 expanding arts landscape.</p></span></span></label> </div> </div> </div> <div class="email-submit-wrapper js-form-wrapper form-wrapper" data-drupal-selector="edit-email-submit-wrapper" id="edit-email-submit-wrapper"><div class="js-form-item form-item"> <label for="edit-email" class="visually-hidden js-form-required form-required form-item__label">Email</label> <input placeholder="Enter your email" data-drupal-selector="edit-email" type="email" id="edit-email" name="email" value="" size="60" maxlength="254" class="form-email required form-item__textfield" required="required" aria-required="true" /> </div> <div class="city-pulse-actions form-actions js-form-wrapper form-wrapper" data-drupal-selector="edit-actions" id="edit-actions"><input data-drupal-selector="edit-submit" data-disable-refocus="true" type="submit" id="edit-submit" name="op" value="Subscribe" class="button js-form-submit form-submit form-item__textfield" /> </div> </div> <div class="description-container js-form-wrapper form-wrapper" data-drupal-selector="edit-description-container" id="edit-description-container"><div class="dynamic-description js-form-wrapper form-wrapper" data-drupal-selector="edit-dynamic-description" id="edit-dynamic-description"><p>Each week, our on-the-ground writers in these cities cover the latest cultural happenings and trends, so you have everything you need to know for the best local experiences.</p></div> </div> <input autocomplete="off" data-drupal-selector="form-2iyj78mqzox9qs4hs7v-wibdip9vuioux5hjds87abu" type="hidden" name="form_build_id" value="form-2IyJ78mQzoX9qs4hS7V_WIBdiP9VuIOUx5HJds87abU" class="form-item__textfield" /> <input data-drupal-selector="edit-city-pulse-form" type="hidden" name="form_id" value="city_pulse_form" class="form-item__textfield" /> <div class="url-textfield js-form-wrapper form-wrapper" style="display: none !important;"><div class="js-form-item form-item"> <label for="edit-url" class="form-item__label">Leave this field blank</label> <input autocomplete="off" data-drupal-selector="edit-url" type="text" id="edit-url" name="url" value="" size="20" maxlength="128" class="form-text form-item__textfield" /> </div> </div> </form> </div> </div> <div class="subscribeForm__container subscribeForm__container--two"> <div id="dynamic-image-container"> <img src="/themes/custom/alm/images/newsletters/istanbul.png" alt="" data-city="istanbul"> <img src="/themes/custom/alm/images/newsletters/doha.png" alt="" data-city="doha" data-parent-checked="true"> <img src="/themes/custom/alm/images/newsletters/dubai.png" alt="" data-city="dubai"> <img src="/themes/custom/alm/images/newsletters/riyadh.png" alt="" data-city="riyadh"> <div class="semi-circle"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-cf28700ae6ed2da6c6511bee2375234233c0dc5384b221bd1c12ecda40674fae view--recent-podcasts view--recent-podcasts--default"> <section class="section section--recent-podcasts section--front-page section--constrain"> <div class="section--content section--content--constrain"> <div class="scroller scroller--recent-podcasts scroller--3-per-row"> <div class="scroller__header"> <div class="scroller__header_start"> <h3 class="h3 h3--section-title u-margin--none"> Podcasts </h3> <p class="body body--s"> Noteworthy and challenging dialogue on the Middle East. </p> </div> <div class="scroller__header_end"> <a class="link button button--secondary button--xsmall" href="/podcasts" > See all </a> </div> </div> <div class="scroller__content"> <article class="card card--podcast card--default card--medium card--not_first"> <div class="card__infoBox"> </div> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/podcasts/what-do-mass-protests-mean-future-turkey-erdogan" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/2025-03/Episode%2019X_1.png?h=2bacc77b&itok=ZUZz0fRi" width="1280" height="720" alt="Gonul/Lisel" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__content"> <div class="card__eyebrow"> On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/podcasts/what-do-mass-protests-mean-future-turkey-erdogan" > What do the mass protests mean for future of Turkey & Erdogan? </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__author"> <span class="subtitle--l">Amberin Zaman interviews Gonul Tol and Lisel Hintz</span> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="byline byline--byline"> <div class="byline__media byline__media--audio"> <div class="micro-player"> <div class="art19-web-player awp-iframe awp-micro awp-theme-light-green" data-episode-id="cf5cd116-8800-47e6-a821-7f832d328ddb"></div> </div> <div class="time_listen"> 29:23 </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article class="card card--podcast card--default card--medium card--not_first"> <div class="card__infoBox"> </div> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/podcasts/whats-significance-anti-hamas-protests-gaza" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/2025-01/headshot_banner_ep38_6.png?h=6cc82bdb&itok=9rYXOfvb" width="1280" height="720" alt="Adam Lucente and Daoud Kuttab" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__content"> <div class="card__eyebrow"> The Al-Monitor Brief </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/podcasts/whats-significance-anti-hamas-protests-gaza" > What's the significance of anti-Hamas protests in Gaza? </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__author"> <span class="subtitle--l">Adam Lucente interviews Daoud Kuttab</span> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="byline byline--byline"> <div class="byline__media byline__media--audio"> <div class="micro-player"> <div class="art19-web-player awp-iframe awp-micro awp-theme-light-green" data-episode-id="a9ab1fbb-4c02-4df9-acbb-4a776bc732d6"></div> </div> <div class="time_listen"> 7:23 </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article class="card card--podcast card--default card--medium card--not_first"> <div class="card__infoBox"> </div> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/podcasts/turkeys-protests-enter-7th-day-view-ankara" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/2025-02/Adam-Ezgi%20podcast.png?h=6cc82bdb&itok=FhBqrlTn" width="1280" height="720" alt="Adam Lucente and Ezgi Akin" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="card__content"> <div class="card__eyebrow"> The Al-Monitor Brief </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/podcasts/turkeys-protests-enter-7th-day-view-ankara" > Turkey's protests enter 7th day: view from Ankara </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__author"> <span class="subtitle--l">Adam Lucente interviews Ezgi Akin</span> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="byline byline--byline"> <div class="byline__media byline__media--audio"> <div class="micro-player"> <div class="art19-web-player awp-iframe awp-micro awp-theme-light-green" data-episode-id="d321f67a-22df-4db4-b957-402a26431cbc"></div> </div> <div class="time_listen"> 8:43 </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-33d01046048267c49846bc0e0ca4cf6d0c26ac00321c5a5e5a6d2c6fe59dbd6b view--interviews view--interviews--leading"> <section class="section section--interviews section--front-page section--constrain"> <div class="section--heading section--heading--default-grid section--heading--constrain"> <div class="section--heading__start"> <h3 class="h3 h3--section-title h3--section-container-heading"> ALM Interviews </h3> <p class="body body--s"> Exclusive conversations with Al-Monitor. </p> </div> <div class="section--heading__end"> <a class="link button button--secondary button--xsmall" href="/interviews" > See All </a> </div> </div> <div class="section--content section--content--default-grid section--content--constrain"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-65e7e6328298cf7c27d344079ea817c1c86663ff5e7a6441cf3494d58ac93ed3 view--interviews view--interviews--list"> <div class="vertical-list"> <article class="card card--interview card--default card--xsmall"> <div class="card__col-one"> <div class="card__type card__type--interview u-text-color--interview"> <span class="eyebrow u-text-transform--uppercase"> Interview </span> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/03/break-netanyahu-olmert-urges-israel-recognize-syrias-sharaa-open-dialogue" > In break with Netanyahu, Olmert urges Israel to recognize Syria鈥檚 Sharaa, open dialogue </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/2025-03/GettyImages-1200176133.jpg?h=77bd3ecb&itok=vs36vE-k" width="480" height="480" alt="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" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__meta"> </div> </article> <article class="card card--interview card--default card--xsmall"> <div class="card__col-one"> <div class="card__type card__type--interview u-text-color--interview"> <span class="eyebrow u-text-transform--uppercase"> Interview </span> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/03/ai-superpowers-clash-saudi-tech-diplomat-pushes-collaboration-over-competition" > As AI superpowers clash, Saudi tech diplomat pushes collaboration over competition </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/2025-03/GettyImages-2174197014.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=ZqtnNKFz" width="480" height="480" alt="Saudi digital economy expert Deemah Al-Yahya speaks onstage during the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit at Sheraton New York Times Square, New York, Sept. 24, 2024." /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="authors"> <div class="authors__avatar"> </div> <div class="authors__name"> <div class="name"> <span class="byline-pretext byline-pretext__inline"></span> <span class="subtitle--l">Deemah AlYahya </span> </div> <div class="tagline body--s">Secretary General, Digital Cooperation Organization</div> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article class="card card--interview card--default card--xsmall"> <div class="card__col-one"> <div class="card__type card__type--interview u-text-color--interview"> <span class="eyebrow u-text-transform--uppercase"> Interview </span> </div> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/02/amid-israels-rightward-shift-left-struggles-relevance" > Amid Israel's rightward shift, left struggles for relevance </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/yair%20golan%202.jpg?h=f0b086f0&itok=b9_8yf2o" width="480" height="480" alt="Yair Golan in Tel Aviv on Feb. 2, 2025. " /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="authors"> <div class="authors__avatar"> <picture class="image" > <img class="image" src="/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2025-02/MK-Yair-Golan_ICT-Website-Photo.png?h=57024e64&itok=-2WTAX6y" alt="Yair Golan" /> </picture> </div> <div class="authors__name"> <div class="name"> <span class="byline-pretext byline-pretext__inline"></span> <span class="subtitle--l">Yair Golan</span> </div> <div class="tagline body--s">Chair of the Democrats Party</div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> <article class="card card--interview card--default card--large u-background-color--interview"> <div class="card__infoBox"> <div class="card__type card__type--interview u-text-color--interview"> <div class="pill pill--interview"> Interview </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__colOne"> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/03/israels-renewed-gaza-strikes-put-last-living-us-hostage-risk-family-warns" > Israel's renewed Gaza strikes put last living US hostage at risk, family warns </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__meta"> </div> </div> <div class="card__colTwo"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/originals/2025/03/israels-renewed-gaza-strikes-put-last-living-us-hostage-risk-family-warns" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/card_large/public/2025-03/GettyImages-1810386519.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=ZJSSbXOi" width="602" height="581" alt="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. " /> </a> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-71abc14303529a0492bdf63c44afd133130b4c22bf1082ee6d049a3d33724d50 view--analysis view--analysis--leading"> <section class="section section--analysis section--front-page section--constrain"> <div class="section--heading section--heading--default-grid section--heading--default-grid-reverse section--heading--constrain"> <div class="section--heading__start"> <h3 class="h3 h3--section-title h3--section-container-heading"> Analysis </h3> <p class="body body--s"> Stay a step ahead of your colleagues. </p> </div> <div class="section--heading__end"> </div> </div> <div class="section--content section--content--default-grid section--content--default-grid-reverse section--content--constrain"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-6b012916449b62c9a916d79e740091f6cdaa6ba377cf777d18f786e3cefae11c view--analysis view--analysis--list"> <div class="vertical-list"> <article class="card card--analysis card--default card--xsmall"> <div class="card__col-one"> <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/2025/03/china-opens-sharaa-uyghurs-and-reconstruction-shadow-future-ties-syria" > As China opens to Sharaa, Uyghurs and reconstruction shadow future ties with Syria </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/2025-03/china.jpeg?h=4aa12acf&itok=pCKo2B9U" width="480" height="480" alt="Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa meets with Chinese Ambassador to Damascus Shi Hongwei on Feb. 22, 2025." /> </div> </div> </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> <article class="card card--analysis card--default card--xsmall"> <div class="card__col-one"> <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/2025/03/defiance-dialogue-how-close-are-iran-and-trump-breakthrough-nuclear-program" > From defiance to dialogue: How close are Iran and Trump to breakthrough on nuclear program? </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/2025-03/GettyImages-1181344475%20copy.jpeg?h=a5ae579a&itok=lXc-3mxR" width="480" height="480" alt="A picture taken on Nov. 10, 2019, shows workers on a construction site in Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant during an official ceremony to kick-start works for a second reactor at the facility." /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="authors"> <div class="authors__avatar"> <a class="link" href="/authors/an-al-monitor-correspondent-in-t.html" > <picture class="image" > <img class="image" src="https://www.al-monitor.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-03/globe.png?h=6464a87b&itok=2ZdBWbNr" alt="A correspondent in Tehran" /> </picture> </a> </div> <div class="authors__name"> <a class="link" href="/authors/an-al-monitor-correspondent-in-t.html" > <div class="name"> <span class="byline-pretext byline-pretext__inline">By</span> <span class="subtitle--l">A correspondent in Tehran</span> </div> <div class="tagline body--s">In <strong>Tehran</strong>, reporting on <strong>politics</strong></div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article class="card card--analysis card--default card--xsmall"> <div class="card__col-one"> <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/2025/03/senate-bill-advances-can-congress-pressure-latin-america-root-out-hezbollah" > As Senate bill advances, can Congress pressure Latin America to root out Hezbollah? </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/2025-03/GettyImages-2205144618.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=eaHHA83f" width="480" height="480" alt="Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="authors"> <div class="authors__avatar"> <a class="link" href="/authors/megan-mineiro" > <picture class="image" > <img class="image" src="https://www.al-monitor.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-04/Megan%20Mineiro%20Headshot.JPG?h=55541bb6&itok=W-dEEyvK" alt="Megan Mineiro" /> </picture> </a> </div> <div class="authors__name"> <a class="link" href="/authors/megan-mineiro" > <div class="name"> <span class="byline-pretext byline-pretext__inline">By</span> <span class="subtitle--l">Megan Mineiro</span> </div> <div class="tagline body--s">In <strong>Washington, DC</strong>, reporting on <strong>US Congress</strong></div> </a> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> <article class="card card--analysis card--default card--large u-background-color--analysis"> <div class="card__infoBox"> <div class="card__type card__type--analysis u-text-color--analysis"> <div class="pill pill--analysis"> Analysis </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__colOne"> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="/originals/2025/03/drones-and-diplomacy-can-turkey-help-somalia-fight-al-shabab" > Drones and diplomacy: Can Turkey help Somalia fight Al-Shabab? </a> </h2> </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> </div> <div class="card__colTwo"> <div class="card__image"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <a href="/originals/2025/03/drones-and-diplomacy-can-turkey-help-somalia-fight-al-shabab" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/card_large/public/2025-03/GettyImages-529570910.jpg?h=1619eff3&itok=ATDo4ePJ" width="602" height="581" alt="Somali security forces personnel and police secure the area at the scene of a car bomb explosion in Mogadishu, Somalia on May 9, 2016. Islamic jihadists killed three police officers in a bomb and gun attack on a police station in the Somali capital, city authorities said. / AFP / MOHAMED ABDIWAHAB (Photo credit should read MOHAMED ABDIWAHAB/AFP via Getty Images)" /> </a> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-da4a596e6c0a81576b828b1938854b161cf424338d2597311fcc0c792037764a view--fp-events view--fp-events--teasers"> <section class="section section--recent-events section--gallery-3 section--front-page section--constrain"> <div class="section--heading section--heading--constrain view-content grid--featured-content grid--gallery-4"> <div class="section--heading__start"> <h3 class="h3 h3--section-title h3--section-container-heading"> ALM Events </h3> <p class="body body--s"> Convening global leaders, media pioneers, and regional entrepreneurs. </p> </div> <div class="section--heading__end"> <a class="link button button--secondary button--xsmall" href="/events" > See All </a> </div> </div> <div class="section--content section--content--constrain view-content grid--featured-content grid--gallery-4"> <article class="card card--event card--default card--medium card--not_first card--event--past"> <div class="card__infoBox"> <div class="event__status event__status--past"> <div class="pill pill--past"> Past Live Journalism </div> </div> </div> <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/article_hero_small/public/2024-12/AM5_2402.jpg?h=cbe3b01c&itok=4O2VVefs" width="720" height="405" alt="Anwar Gargash Event" /> </div> </div> <div class="card__content"> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2024/10/al-monitor-hosts-uae-presidential-advisor-anwar-gargash-unga-event" > UAE presidential advisor HE Dr. Anwar Gargash speaks at AL-Monitor event during UNGA </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link" href="https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2024/10/al-monitor-hosts-uae-presidential-advisor-anwar-gargash-unga-event" > <div class="text-long"><p>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.</p></div> </a> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="event-meta"> <div class="event-meta__location"> <svg class="icon" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#locator-pin"></use> </svg> <span class="location-name">New York City, NY</span> </div> <div class="event-meta__time"> <div><time datetime="2024-09-26T22:00:00Z">September 26, 2024 18:00 EDT</time> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article class="card card--event card--default card--medium card--not_first card--event--past"> <div class="card__infoBox"> <div class="event__status event__status--past"> <div class="pill pill--past"> Past Live Journalism </div> </div> </div> <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/article_hero_small/public/2024-09/AM6_2446_0.jpg?h=2d235432&itok=bM8fpOPb" width="720" height="405" alt="Iraq PM Sudani event" /> </div> </div> <div class="card__content"> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2024/09/iraqs-sudani-us-troop-withdrawal-does-not-mean-end-security-relationship" > Iraq PM Sudani speaks at AL-Monitor/US Chamber of Commerce event during UNGA </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link" href="https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2024/09/iraqs-sudani-us-troop-withdrawal-does-not-mean-end-security-relationship" > <div class="text-long"><p>At an event hosted by AL-Monitor and the US Chamber of Commerce, the prime minister discussed Iraq鈥檚 plan to achieve energy independence by 2030 and his desire to drawdown the US military presence in the country.</p></div> </a> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="event-meta"> <div class="event-meta__location"> <svg class="icon" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#locator-pin"></use> </svg> <span class="location-name">New York City, NY</span> </div> <div class="event-meta__time"> <div><time datetime="2024-09-25T22:00:00Z">September 25, 2024 18:00 EDT</time> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article class="card card--event card--default card--medium card--not_first card--event--past"> <div class="card__infoBox"> <div class="event__status event__status--past"> <div class="pill pill--past"> Past Live Journalism </div> </div> </div> <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/article_hero_small/public/2025-03/headshot_banner_ep37.png?h=2bacc77b&itok=32fumVCC" width="720" height="405" alt="onal" /> </div> </div> <div class="card__content"> <div class="card__heading"> <h2 class="heading"> <a class="heading__link" href="https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2024/09/al-monitor-hosts-turkish-ambassador-us-sedat-onal-salon-conversation" > Salon conversation with Turkey's Ambassador to the US Sedat 脰nal </a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__summary"> <a class="link" href="https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2024/09/al-monitor-hosts-turkish-ambassador-us-sedat-onal-salon-conversation" > <div class="text-long"><div class="node__content"><div class="text-long"><p>AL-Monitor hosted the ambassador of Turkey to the United States, Sedat 脰nal, 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.</p></div></div></div> </a> </div> <div class="card__meta"> <div class="event-meta"> <div class="event-meta__location"> <svg class="icon" > <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/alm/dist/icons.svg?v1.2#locator-pin"></use> </svg> <span class="location-name">Washington, DC</span> </div> <div class="event-meta__time"> <div><time datetime="2024-09-12T20:00:00Z">September 12, 2024 16:00 EDT</time> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-b6205e5e69fafa1ce23d5769c1b21493bba99c7a7a4640d89cbb72cd9adc69d3 view--explore view--explore--block_1"> <section class="section section--our-journalists section--front-page section--constrain"> <div class="section--heading section--heading--constrain"> <div class="section--heading__start"> <h3 class="h3 h3--section-title h3--section-container-heading"> Our Journalists </h3> </div> <div class="section--heading__end"> <a class="link button button--secondary button--xsmall" href="/authors" > See All </a> </div> </div> <div class="section--content section--content--constrain"> <div class="scroller scroller--our-journalists"> <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/samuel-wendel" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-04/IMG_5242.jpg?h=502e75fa&itok=H_8mfdJw" width="480" height="480" alt="Sam Wendel headshot (new)" /> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__content card__content--bottom"> <div class="card__name"> <h2 class="heading h6"> <a href="/authors/samuel-wendel" title="Samuel Wendel">Samuel Wendel</a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__job-title"> <div>Senior Market Research Analyst </div> </div> <div class="card__body"> In <strong>Washington, DC</strong>, reporting on <strong>regional business and tech</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/francesco-schiavi" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-07/francesco_schiavi.jpeg?h=55541bb6&itok=VJUF-hpi" width="480" height="480" alt="Francesco Schiavi" /> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__content card__content--bottom"> <div class="card__name"> <h2 class="heading h6"> <a href="/authors/francesco-schiavi" title="Francesco Schiavi">Francesco Schiavi</a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__job-title"> </div> <div class="card__body"> In <strong>Bologna</strong>, reporting on <strong>security, defense, economy, governance</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/amberin-zaman.html" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-06/AmberinZaman2-480x480.jpg?h=7f412c8f&itok=e2cJgWXs" width="480" height="480" alt="Amberin Zaman 2" /> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__content card__content--bottom"> <div class="card__name"> <h2 class="heading h6"> <a href="/authors/amberin-zaman.html" title="Amberin Zaman">Amberin Zaman</a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__job-title"> <div>Chief Correspondent</div> </div> <div class="card__body"> In <strong>Paris</strong>, reporting on <strong>geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture</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/jennifer-gnana" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-08/Photo_Gnana-Jennifer_0.jpeg?h=63c8359f&itok=-pKDX8YY" width="480" height="480" alt="Jennifer Gnana headshot" /> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__content card__content--bottom"> <div class="card__name"> <h2 class="heading h6"> <a href="/authors/jennifer-gnana" title="Jennifer Gnana">Jennifer Gnana</a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__job-title"> <div>Gulf Correspondent</div> </div> <div class="card__body"> In <strong>Dubai</strong>, reporting on <strong>Gulf energy policy and politics</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 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/jack-dutton" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-04/Profile-shot-3-%281%29.jpg?h=502e75fa&itok=bfs8C-67" width="480" height="480" alt="Jack Dutton headshot (new)" /> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card__content card__content--bottom"> <div class="card__name"> <h2 class="heading h6"> <a href="/authors/jack-dutton" title="Jack Dutton">Jack Dutton</a> </h2> </div> <div class="card__job-title"> <div>Chief Business Correspondent </div> </div> <div class="card__body"> In <strong>Bristol</strong>, reporting on <strong>regional business, climate change, AI, tech</strong> </div> </div> </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </main> </div> <footer class="footer"> <div class="footer__inner"> <div class="footer__top"> <div class="footer__footer_logo"> <a class="link" href="" > <img class="logo__image" src="/themes/custom/alm/images/logo.svg" alt="Logo" /> </a> <h5 class="h5 h5--site-slogan"> The Middle East始s leading independent news source since 2012 </h5> </div> <div class="footer__footer_cta"> <a href="/pro/subscribe" class="button button--secondary button--medium">Subscribe Now</a> </div> </div> <div class="footer__middle"> <div class="footer__middle_first"> <ul class="stacked-menu"> <li class="item"> <span class="stacked-menu__link">Countries</span> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/turkey" class="stacked-menu__link">Turkey</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/saudi-arabia" class="stacked-menu__link">Saudi Arabia</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/iran" class="stacked-menu__link">Iran</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/united-arab-emirates" title="United Arab Amirates" class="stacked-menu__link">UAE</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/israel" class="stacked-menu__link">Israel</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/palestine" class="stacked-menu__link">Palestine</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/egypt" class="stacked-menu__link">Egypt</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/qatar" class="stacked-menu__link">Qatar</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/lebanon" class="stacked-menu__link">Lebanon</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/syria" class="stacked-menu__link">Syria</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="footer__middle_second"> <ul class="stacked-menu"> <li class="item"> <a href="/iraq" class="stacked-menu__link">Iraq</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/jordan" class="stacked-menu__link">Jordan</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/oman" class="stacked-menu__link">Oman</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/bahrain" class="stacked-menu__link">Bahrain</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/kuwait" class="stacked-menu__link">Kuwait</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/yemen" class="stacked-menu__link">Yemen</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/libya" class="stacked-menu__link">Libya</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/sudan" class="stacked-menu__link">Sudan</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/tunisia" class="stacked-menu__link">Tunisia</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/morocco" class="stacked-menu__link">Morocco</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/algeria" class="stacked-menu__link">Algeria</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="footer__middle_third"> <ul class="stacked-menu"> <li class="item"> <span class="stacked-menu__link">Sectors</span> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/politics-security" class="stacked-menu__link">Politics & Security</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/economy-business" class="stacked-menu__link">Economy & Business</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/technology" class="stacked-menu__link">Technology</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/culture" class="stacked-menu__link">Culture</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/archives" class="stacked-menu__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="archives">Our Archive</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="footer__middle_fourth"> <ul class="stacked-menu"> <li class="item"> <span class="stacked-menu__link">Terms of Use</span> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/visitor-agreement" class="stacked-menu__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/29646">Visitor Agreement</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/privacy" class="stacked-menu__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/29647">Privacy Policy</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/submission-guidelines" class="stacked-menu__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/29648">Submissions and Discussions Policy</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="footer__middle_fifth"> <ul class="stacked-menu"> <li class="item"> <span class="stacked-menu__link">About Us</span> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/about" class="stacked-menu__link">About</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/authors" class="stacked-menu__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="authors">Journalists</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/about#team" class="stacked-menu__link">Team</a> </li> <li class="item"> <a href="/about#opportunities" class="stacked-menu__link">Careers</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="footer__middle_sixth"> <div class="cta cta--mini cta--daily cta--simple" > <h2 class="heading h5"> Sign up to our Daily Briefing </h2> <p class="paragraph subtitle--s"> Keep up with Al-Monitor's top stories with a morning digest from across the region. </p> <div class="subscribeForm"> <form class="sign-up-form-1" target="_top" data-drupal-selector="sign-up-form-1" action="/" method="post" id="sign-up-form-1" accept-charset="UTF-8"> <input data-drupal-selector="edit-newsletter" type="hidden" name="newsletter" value="87e882df3ec4271bd20cb5064eb1ced3" class="form-item__textfield" /> <div class="js-form-item form-item"> <input data-drupal-selector="edit-email" type="email" id="edit-email" name="email" value="" size="30" maxlength="254" placeholder="Email Address" class="form-email required form-item__textfield" required="required" aria-required="true" /> </div> <button class="button--alt newsletter__submit button js-form-submit form-submit" data-submit-button-image-swap="" data-drupal-selector="edit-submit" data-disable-refocus="true" type="submit" id="edit-submit" name="op" value="Sign Up"> <span class="icon"><svg width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <path d="M13.75 6.75L19.25 12L13.75 17.25" stroke="white" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"/> <path d="M19 12H4.75" stroke="white" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"/> </svg> </span> <span class="text u-visually-hidden"> Sign Up </span> </button> <input autocomplete="off" data-drupal-selector="form-hldiwf9urznng1idt-hjrqansejw3qvwroxj5klrs4i" type="hidden" name="form_build_id" value="form-hLDIWF9UrZnng1iDt_HjrQanSejw3QvwrOxJ5kLRS4I" class="form-item__textfield" /> <input data-drupal-selector="edit-sign-up-form-1" type="hidden" name="form_id" value="sign_up_form_1" class="form-item__textfield" /> </form> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="footer__bottom_above"> <p>For subscription inquiries, please contact <a href='mailto:subscription.support@al-monitor.com'>subscription.support@al-monitor.com</a>.</p> <p>For all other inquiries, please use <a href="mailto:contactus@al-monitor.com">contactus@al-monitor.com</a>.</p> </div> <div class="footer__bottom"> <h5 class="h5 h5--copyright"> 2024 Al-Monitor, LLC. All rights reserved. </h5> <ul class="social-menu"> </ul> </div> </div> </footer> </div> </div> <script>window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"language":"en","drupalCountry":null,"siteName":"AL-Monitor","userUid":0});</script> <script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","pathPrefix":"","currentPath":"front","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":true,"currentLanguage":"en"},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"ajaxPageState":{"libraries":"eJx1UNFywyAM-yESbo_7Gs4EJ_VqcA-bLtnXj7Cu3ctedJIQQgdw9vAB-2SXKjFidXA61cLb-w9tOzFBPaaMpQ1rITumW2PFqeCnMpo97q1STAfbWCLwoBeE9Din0pOL5CEyUHmVNsX6VOHV6zcsWHtVHDLgfhPFFFbiLrXvMwnaYib7L_LbsFwxkUkNsCxSE0nxTzavtW_HklwCA4ajvxzxAneSqm5l2PwJM1O5hvPDHMPX4U9weqhh9hEU3Z36cj9wHrG_RpbUGL8BHPiPJw","theme":"alm","theme_token":null},"ajaxTrustedUrl":{"form_action_p_pvdeGsVG5zNF_XLGPTvYSKCf43t8qZYSwcfZl2uzM":true,"\/front?ajax_form=1":true,"\/front?phpinfo=1\u0026ajax_form=1":true,"\/search":true},"dataLayer":{"defaultLang":"en","languages":{"en":{"id":"en","name":"English","direction":"ltr","weight":0},"ar":{"id":"ar","name":"Arabic","direction":"rtl","weight":1},"he":{"id":"he","name":"Hebrew","direction":"rtl","weight":2},"ru":{"id":"ru","name":"Russian","direction":"ltr","weight":3},"tr":{"id":"tr","name":"Turkish","direction":"ltr","weight":4},"fr":{"id":"fr","name":"French","direction":"ltr","weight":5},"fa":{"id":"fa","name":"Persian, Farsi","direction":"rtl","weight":6},"zh-hans":{"id":"zh-hans","name":"\u7b80\u4f53\u4e2d\u6587","direction":"ltr","weight":7},"es":{"id":"es","name":"Spanish","direction":"ltr","weight":8}}},"lazy":{"lazysizes":{"lazyClass":"lazyload","loadedClass":"lazyloaded","loadingClass":"lazyloading","preloadClass":"lazypreload","errorClass":"lazyerror","autosizesClass":"lazyautosizes","srcAttr":"data-src","srcsetAttr":"data-srcset","sizesAttr":"data-sizes","minSize":40,"customMedia":[],"init":true,"expFactor":1.5,"hFac":0.8,"loadMode":0,"loadHidden":true,"ricTimeout":0,"throttleDelay":125,"plugins":[]},"placeholderSrc":"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==","preferNative":true,"minified":true,"libraryPath":"\/libraries\/lazysizes"},"multiselect":{"widths":250},"ckeditorAccordion":{"accordionStyle":{"collapseAll":1,"keepRowsOpen":0,"animateAccordionOpenAndClose":1,"openTabsWithHash":0}},"ajax":{"edit-submit":{"callback":"::ajaxSubmitCallback","wrapper":"city-pulse-form-wrapper","disable-refocus":true,"event":"mousedown","keypress":true,"prevent":"click","url":"\/front?phpinfo=1\u0026ajax_form=1","httpMethod":"POST","dialogType":"ajax","submit":{"_triggering_element_name":"op","_triggering_element_value":"Subscribe"},"effect":"fade","progress":{"type":"throbber","message":"Processing..."}}},"alm_pro":{"article":{"is_entitled":false}},"views":{"ajax_path":"\/views\/ajax","ajaxViews":{"views_dom_id:33d01046048267c49846bc0e0ca4cf6d0c26ac00321c5a5e5a6d2c6fe59dbd6b":{"view_name":"interviews","view_display_id":"leading","view_args":"","view_path":"\/front","view_base_path":"interviews","view_dom_id":"33d01046048267c49846bc0e0ca4cf6d0c26ac00321c5a5e5a6d2c6fe59dbd6b","pager_element":0},"views_dom_id:65e7e6328298cf7c27d344079ea817c1c86663ff5e7a6441cf3494d58ac93ed3":{"view_name":"interviews","view_display_id":"list","view_args":"","view_path":"\/front","view_base_path":"interviews","view_dom_id":"65e7e6328298cf7c27d344079ea817c1c86663ff5e7a6441cf3494d58ac93ed3","pager_element":0}}},"better_exposed_filters":{"autosubmit_exclude_textfield":true},"user":{"email":null,"fullName":null,"created":"1614634374","uid":0,"permissionsHash":"eb5b8e7f9a35037dae71da41d117d6e537cd231f5e6f408de3db6548b7bc18ea"},"chargebee":{"siteID":"al-monitor","publishableApiKey":"live_W8gcufvpOvNPnsp446ld8MOJ08WAd5cdO7","domain":"al-monitor.chargebee.com"}}</script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_CC7daU0ghkUKHSv7yGdObv5lkLK9eEFEUItcbrSoUWw.js?scope=footer&delta=0&language=en&theme=alm&include=eJx1TkkOwyAM_BAJ6rGvQQ44qRuDKwNt0teXoC6nXkazWOMBjha0uNPZwEHrRkyg-xAx1W55Kvtwq5xxSPjIjKWg9mRhmYA7vSCEt0up5V5iFxEo_apqRv0q92uzCybUVjV16XC7ScbgZuImc1tVxOU6RSr_Tj4NfsVARdSB96KBJNkvG2eVNi4FE6AAw94-T3iBO4lmMzMs9oCRKa0OrrAZhuduDzB3amttx_GIXhqbeKQ"></script> <script src="https://web-player.art19.com/assets/current.js"></script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_oREVLMSaCrrhfwxUQSSOf58mnDrCr4Cq8zObCKE73y4.js?scope=footer&delta=2&language=en&theme=alm&include=eJx1TkkOwyAM_BAJ6rGvQQ44qRuDKwNt0teXoC6nXkazWOMBjha0uNPZwEHrRkyg-xAx1W55Kvtwq5xxSPjIjKWg9mRhmYA7vSCEt0up5V5iFxEo_apqRv0q92uzCybUVjV16XC7ScbgZuImc1tVxOU6RSr_Tj4NfsVARdSB96KBJNkvG2eVNi4FE6AAw94-T3iBO4lmMzMs9oCRKa0OrrAZhuduDzB3amttx_GIXhqbeKQ"></script> <script src="/modules/contrib/ckeditor_accordion/js/accordion.frontend.min.js?stv2ie"></script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_GxfXcjs3pL-o_yCiBuRd604caiucqRYBAcYfBOTSn1Q.js?scope=footer&delta=4&language=en&theme=alm&include=eJx1TkkOwyAM_BAJ6rGvQQ44qRuDKwNt0teXoC6nXkazWOMBjha0uNPZwEHrRkyg-xAx1W55Kvtwq5xxSPjIjKWg9mRhmYA7vSCEt0up5V5iFxEo_apqRv0q92uzCybUVjV16XC7ScbgZuImc1tVxOU6RSr_Tj4NfsVARdSB96KBJNkvG2eVNi4FE6AAw94-T3iBO4lmMzMs9oCRKa0OrrAZhuduDzB3amttx_GIXhqbeKQ"></script> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

AL-Monitor: The Middle East始s leading independent news source since 2012