menu_open Columnists
Adam Lucente

Adam Lucente

Al Monitor

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Iran signs 25 deals at SCO meeting: What to know

Iran's foreign minister urged members of the China and Russia-led bloc to focus more on economic development, while host Kyrgyzstan said progress was...

24.07.2026 5

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iraq deepens Iran ties days after US investment push

The Iraqi premier visited Tehran shortly after his trip to Washington for talks focusing on economic cooperation and plans to develop a cross-border...

23.07.2026 5

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Vance says Israeli intelligence had ties to Epstein: What to know

Vice President JD Vance has grown more critical of Israel, possibly in an effort to capitalize on changing views among voters with an eye on the 2028...

16.07.2026 5

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Ahmadinejad denies alleged Mossad plot to install him as Iran leader: What to know

The former president, who was a virulent critic of Israel while in office, was reportedly part of a Mossad plan to replace the current Iranian...

15.07.2026 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

'We have been cheated': Egypt slams FIFA after loss to Argentina

FIFA has faced scrutiny throughout the tournament over its video assistant referee, which overturned a goal that could have helped Egypt defeat the...

07.07.2026 9

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Macron's Syria visit eyes to boost France's economic role: What to know

The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and various regional developments during the first visit by a Western head of state to Syria...

07.07.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Russia’s Rosatom says staff to return to Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant: What to know

Russia evacuated hundreds of personnel from Bushehr after the start of the US-Israel-Iran war, but it has pledged to continue helping Iran develop its...

06.07.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

At least 6 killed, 22 wounded in Damascus cafe explosion: What to know

Syrian authorities have yet to identify a perpetrator in relation to the incident, and armed groups opposing the transitional government did not...

02.07.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

At least 5 killed, 20 wounded in Damascus cafe explosion: What to know

Syrian authorities have yet to identify a perpetrator in relation to the incident, and armed groups opposing the transitional government did not...

02.07.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Who is Melat Kiros, the pro-Palestinian who unseated a longtime Democrat?

Kiros has taken a hard stance against Israel and opposes all aid to the country as pro-Palestinian candidates make further inroads in the party.

01.07.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Druze gunmen, Syrian government forces clash in Suwayda: What to know

The United Nations recently said that the government has thus far failed to bring calm to the area of southern Syria following sectarian clashes last...

30.06.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Here's what to know about Iraq's corruption as Zaidi launches crackdown

Watchdogs and financial institutions regard Iraq as a significantly corrupt country as the new prime minister works to recover public funds.

29.06.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Morocco, Egypt impress with notable draws despite winless World Cup start for Mideast teams

Several teams from the Middle East and North Africa could advance to the knockout stage under the new format, and Morocco climbed in the rankings...

18.06.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Lebanon President Joseph Aoun to visit White House this month, Trump says

The visit would be the first by a Lebanese head of state to the White House in decades.

17.06.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

'Let Syria take care of Hezbollah': Trump criticizes Israel, leans on Sharaa to help in Lebanon

President Donald Trump insisted he has a great relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but criticized the scale of Israel’s...

16.06.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Syria reports sabotage of undersea internet cable between Tartous and Alexandria: What to know

The affected cable connects Syria to Egypt and is one of four cables that link to the coastal city of Tartous.

15.06.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

International outrage grows over Israel's plans for West Bank

International outrage was growing on Monday at Israeli plans to tighten the country's grip over the occupied West Bank, with the United Nations chief...

10.02.2026 20

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

MBZ hosts Sisi as Saudi Arabia and UAE jockey for regional influence

Economic ties between Egypt and the UAE are strengthening thanks to large Emirati investments in the North African country.

10.02.2026 30

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iran steps up arrests while remaining positive on US talks

Iran stepped up its crackdown on Monday after recent protests, with more arrests, while holding the door open to Washington for further nuclear...

09.02.2026 30

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

In Syria, Sharaa's brothers take spotlight with Saudi, Russian dealings

Hazem al-Sharaa is playing a key role in Syria’s economic development and ties with the Gulf, while Maher al-Sharaa is involved in diplomacy with...

09.02.2026 30

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iran names Ali Shamkhani head of Defense Council: What to know

Ali Shamkhani, a longtime security official, recently dismissed the idea of sending enriched uranium abroad and expressed a degree of hope about the...

06.02.2026 20

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

UAE President meets Putin in Russia to discuss nuclear energy, trade, Iran

The visit of Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed comes a day after the Kremlin hosted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

29.01.2026 30

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iranian officials vow 'harsh' response as Trump threatens action: What to know

Iranian officials signaled openness to a nuclear deal but warned they would retaliate against any US military strike.

29.01.2026 30

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iraq to prosecute ISIS detainees transferred from Syria: What to know

The repatriation of Iraqis accused of Islamic State ties from Syria has reignited security concerns in Iraq.

23.01.2026 30

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Sharaa tells Iraq's Barzani Kurds integral to Syria amid fears of Aleppo spillover

More than 140,000 people have been displaced by fighting between Syrian government and Kurdish forces in Aleppo and the situation has captured...

09.01.2026 30

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iran sees largest protest day as regime cuts internet: What to know

Thousands of Iranians protested across the country on Thursday evening in one of the biggest challenges to Islamic Republic rule in decades.

09.01.2026 30

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Deadly clashes resume in Syria's Aleppo between government, Kurdish forces

ALEPPO, Syria, Jan 7 - Fierce fighting resumed in Syria's northern city of Aleppo between government forces and Kurdish fighters for a second day on...

07.01.2026 30

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Yemen separatists accuse Saudi Arabia of 'betrayal' as Riyadh ups strikes

Southern Transitional Council head Aidarus al-Zubaidi did not board a scheduled flight to Saudi Arabia for talks as Riyadh intensified its...

07.01.2026 20

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Syria's Sharaa, Saudi crown prince discuss economic ties as SDF clashes flare

Syria is facing a number of security challenges amid sectarian tensions as it rebuilds its economy.

06.01.2026 20

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

With central role for Qatar, can Gulf states mediate between US and Venezuela?

Venezuela's ties improved with Gulf states under Maduro, and some in the region voiced concern about the US operation.

06.01.2026 60

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Yemen separatists launch two-year independence transition as strikes kill 20

Yemen's UAE-backed separatists announced a two-year transition to independence Friday despite reporting 20 deaths in airstrikes from a Saudi-led...

03.01.2026 20

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Yemen separatists announce two-year independence transition in shock move

Yemen's UAE-backed separatists announced a two-year transition to an independent state on Friday after seizing swathes of territory in a lightning...

02.01.2026 30

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Yemen's STC aims to hold an independence referendum in two years

Jan 2 (Reuters) - Yemen's southern separatist movement said on Friday it aims to hold a referendum on independence from the north in two years...

02.01.2026 30

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iran's protests: What we know

Iran has been rocked this week by protests that started in Tehran and have spread to other cities, with at least six people killed in clashes with...

02.01.2026 20

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Yemen’s STC announces self-determination process for south: What to know

The announcement by the UAE-backed separatist group follows major escalations with Saudi Arabia and the internationally-recognized government.

02.01.2026 40

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

What's next for Yemen as UAE withdraws, rift with Saudi Arabia grows?

The escalating conflict in Yemen poses challenges to both the Saudi-backed government and the UAE’s position in the country, but may benefit the...

31.12.2025 30

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Israel recognises Somaliland, Somalia's breakaway region, as independent state

(Fixes spelling in "breakaway" in headline)Dec 26 (Reuters) - Israel has recognised Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, as an "independent and ...

26.12.2025 50

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Two dead in Palestinian attack in Israel, Israeli authorities say

JERUSALEM, Dec 26 (Reuters) - A Palestinian assailant ran over a man and stabbed a woman and killed them both in northern Israel on Friday, Israeli...

26.12.2025 30

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

As UAE-Saudi rivalry heats up, Yemen’s STC accuses Riyadh of airstrikes

The incident followed Saudi Arabia criticizing the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council’s military offensive, which has sent shockwaves...

26.12.2025 40

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Syria's Shibani talks defense, economic ties with Russia's Putin during Moscow visit

The visit is the second to Russia for Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Murhaf Abu Qasra, and follows other...

24.12.2025 50

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Syria seizes anti-aircraft missiles near Iraqi border: What to know

The Syrian government is stepping up efforts to combat arms smuggling, including in relation to Hezbollah, Kurdish-led forces and ISIS.

23.12.2025 30

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

India’s Modi eyes closer ties with Jordan, Oman during visits

Modi’s two-day visit to Jordan made investments and economic cooperation a central piece of the talks with Amman.

16.12.2025 30

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Saudi Arabia cements ties with Sudan during Burhan visit as UAE rivalry heats up

The Sudanese leader may be looking to increase Saudi support following losses on the battlefield as Riyadh weighs its security interests in the...

16.12.2025 40

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Gaza struggles to pull bodies from rubble as storms rock damaged buildings

GAZA, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Authorities in Gaza warned on Monday that more ​war-damaged buildings may collapse because of heavy ​rain in the...

15.12.2025 20

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iran Nobel winner unwell after 'violent' arrest: supporters

Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi was taken to hospital twice after being violently arrested last week, her supporters said Monday,...

15.12.2025 30

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Ahmed al-Ahmed, Syrian-Australian who fought off Hanukkah attackers, recovering from surgery

Ahmed is recovering from surgery after being injured while tackling one of the shooters during an attack on a Jewish gathering in Australia, as he...

15.12.2025 50

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Three IRGC members killed near Iran-Pakistan border: What to know

Iran is seeking closer cooperation with Pakistan on security amid unrest on their shared border and an insurgency by Baluchi groups.

10.12.2025 30

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

World Cup: Iran fumes over LGBTQ+ themes as Jordan qualifies for first time

Morocco is hoping to build on its historic run in 2022, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and others in the region similarly vying to build on recent...

10.12.2025 20

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Saudi Arabia and Qatar ink high-speed rail deal advancing Gulf integration

Saudi Arabia is seeking to boost its railway infrastructure, and longstanding efforts to connect Gulf states by train are finally gaining momentum.

09.12.2025 70

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Former PM Kadhimi: Vote shows Iraqis turning toward new leadership

Mustafa al-Kadhimi told Al-Monitor that the strong performances of parties that ran on their own, as opposed to those on lists, indicate a desire to...

26.11.2025 20

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente