menu_open Columnists
Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Al Monitor

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Iraq arrests deputy oil minister in anti-corruption push

The arrest of Adnan al-Jumaili marks a second signification step against corruption by Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s government amid growing...

yesterday 3

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iraq’s Sadr moves to place his militia under state control: What to know

Muqtada al-Sadr is the first militia leader to heed new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s call to place weapons in the hands of the state as US pressure...

27.05.2026 2

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Who was Mohammed Odeh, Hamas military commander killed by Israel in Gaza?

Odeh was killed in a Tuesday strike in the Palestinian enclave just days after he assumed his leadership position.

27.05.2026 2

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Israel strikes near Lebanon’s Qaraoun dam as war intensifies: What to know

The strikes near the large water reservoir follow pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to up attacks on Hezbollah in response to...

26.05.2026 3

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Between heat and war, Saudi Arabia seeks incident-free Hajj

Mecca's temperature reached a high of 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5 degrees Celsius) on Tuesday and is expected to hit 108 degrees Fahrenheit (42...

26.05.2026 6

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iran’s Hormuz authority declares control over ports in UAE, Oman: What to know

The Persian Gulf Strait Authority released a map showing its “areas of oversight” extending to the United Arab Emirates’ ports, eliciting a...

21.05.2026 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

AIPAC, pro-Israel groups celebrate Massie’s defeat in Kentucky after spending $9M

More than $32 million was spent on the race, including $9 million from pro-Israel groups that helped Ed Gallrein defeat Rep. Thomas Massie after his...

20.05.2026 6

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iraqi PM Zaidi holds talks as cabinet deadlock leaves nine posts unfilled

Political disputes caused parliament to fail to agree on a number of ministerial nominees, including those of defense and the interior.

19.05.2026 9

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Car bomb in Syrian capital leaves 1 dead, 23 injured: What to know

Tuesday's bombing is the latest in a string of recent security incidents in Damascus.

19.05.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

What we know about secret Israeli bases in Iraq

Iraqi authorities have said there are no longer any hostile forces operating in its territory.

18.05.2026 8

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iraqi militia leader in US custody after arrest: What to know

Authorities said the individual is linked to a mysterious pro-Iran group that has been claiming attacks on Jewish communities in Europe.

15.05.2026 6

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

UAE unveils $5B India investment push during Modi visit: What to know

India and the UAE signed deals related to energy supplies and maritime security, further strengthening ties amid the war in the region.

15.05.2026 7

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iraq parliament approves government of Prime Minister Zaidi

Ali al-Zaidi, a prominent businessman with limited political experience, has backing from both the US and Iran.

14.05.2026 5

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iran's IRGC holds anti-helicopter drills in Tehran: What to know

Iran said it downed two US helicopters last month as American forces use the aircraft for strikes in the Gulf.

13.05.2026 5

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Lebanon authorities release Salafist cleric Khaled Hablas: What to know

Hablas was imprisoned for his role in the deadly 2014 clashes with the military and Hezbollah and his release follows Syria lobbying for the return of...

12.05.2026 7

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

After year away, France returns ambassador to Algeria: What to know

France and Algeria have made efforts to improve ties recently, with the strain resulting from disagreements over Western Sahara and their shared...

11.05.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iraq’s Sadr says 'exclude' armed groups from next government as pressure builds

The cleric's call comes as Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi tries to form a government amid political divisions and US demands to curb the...

08.05.2026 7

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

What to know about Iran's 'Persian Gulf Strait Authority' to control Hormuz traffic

The establishment of an entity seeking to control maritime transportation in the Strait of Hormuz is the latest sign that Iran wants to formalize...

07.05.2026 7

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Trump congratulates Iraq PM-designate Zaidi in call: What to know

President Donald Trump was openly critical of previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki, who was seen as close to Iran, but is now welcoming the new candidate...

30.04.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

In defiant message, Iran’s Khamenei threatens US but appeals to Gulf

The address was Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s third since coming to power and included a pledge to rid the Gulf of the US.

30.04.2026 7

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iran-linked group claims stabbing in Jewish area in London: What to know

Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya has been linked to a number of attacks on Jewish targets in Europe, as well as an anti-regime Iranian news outlet.

29.04.2026 8

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iranian rial hits new record low as blockade, war take toll: What to know

The rial had another collapse in late 2025, triggering massive protests and riots in the country that were ended by a forceful government crackdown.

29.04.2026 8

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Meet Ali al-Zaidi, businessman and Iraq's new prime minister-designate

Legal sources familiar with the nominee told Al-Monitor that there are no US sanctions on Zaidi or financial institutions affiliated with him.

28.04.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

UAE to leave OPEC on May 1

The United Arab Emirates says it will focus more on domestic production amid the US-Israel-Iran war.

28.04.2026 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iraq's Shiite alliance nominates Ali al-Zaidi as PM candidate: What to know

Zaidi, who leads a bank accused of money laundering, received support from previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki and incumbent Mohammed Shia al-Sudani,...

27.04.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Syria arrests Amjad Youssef, Tadamoun massacre perpetrator: What to know

Amjad Youssef appeared on video allegedly killing dozens of civilians in 2013 and is the latest member of the Assad regime to be captured by the new...

24.04.2026 20

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Kuwait acquits journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin after 7 weeks in detention

The American-Kuwaiti journalist is expected to be released after 52 days in custody over posts about wartime damage.

23.04.2026 7

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Split over Maliki, Iraq’s Shiite bloc delays PM vote as deadline nears: What to know

Two other candidates have emerged as alternatives to Coordination Framework nominee and former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who is openly opposed...

22.04.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Two Iranians face US court in sanctions, arms trafficking cases: What to know

The cases come as the United States pairs tighter sanctions with stepped-up enforcement targeting Iran’s global networks amid the war.

20.04.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iran arrests Ahwazi separatist leader amid war crackdown: What to know

The Islamic Republic has detained hundreds of people in Khuzestan province, home to Iran’s largest Arab community.

15.04.2026 6

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

American journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin detained in Kuwait: What to know

Kuwaiti authorities have been cracking down on alleged violators of the country's media law during the Iran war.

14.04.2026 9

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Bahrain, Saudi Arabia summon Iraqi diplomats over militia attacks: What to know

The United States and Kuwait have likewise criticized Iraq over actions tied to Iran-backed armed groups in the country.

13.04.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

As US blockades Hormuz, China urges restraint, rejects call to ditch Iran oil

Beijing and Ankara called for calm as the US began its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as regional diplomacy over the fragile ceasefire intensifies.

13.04.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Lebanon boosts army presence in Beirut as Hezbollah slams Israel talks: What to know

The Lebanese government’s openness to talks with Israel has angered Hezbollah while its efforts to assert authority in Beirut has won praise from...

10.04.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

UAE says no more 'niceties' with Iran, seeks clarity on fragile truce terms

The UAE said Iran must pay “compensation” for damages incurred during the conflict.

09.04.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

US strikes Iran’s Kharg Island as Trump threatens 'whole civilization'

Iranian outlets reported several explosions on the island, which is crucial to the country’s oil industry, just hours ahead of a US deadline to open...

07.04.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

From France to India: Who is Iran allowing through the Strait of Hormuz?

Ships from Qatar turned around on Monday after sailing toward the Strait of Hormuz, while a growing number of countries have received permission to...

06.04.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iran's IRGC intel chief killed as Israel expands targeted strikes: What to know

Majid Khademi, who served for nearly 50 years, is one of several senior Iranian figures to be killed in recent weeks after much of the high command...

06.04.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Syria sustains drone attack from Iraq, tackles smuggling tunnels on Lebanon border

The incidents on Syria's borders follow threats against the transitional government by Iran and its proxies in Iraq.

30.03.2026 9

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Kuwait arrests 6 over alleged Hezbollah plot to assassinate leaders

Kuwait said the individuals were plotting to carry out assassinations against officials, while Qatar and the UAE have also announced the dismantling...

25.03.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iran rejects Trump's proposal for ceasefire as US dispatches forces

The news follows a negotiations push by the Trump administration to end the war after more than three weeks of fighting.

25.03.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iranian ballistic missile intercepted over Lebanon, US Embassy feared as target

Tensions in Lebanon remain high amid Hezbollah rocket fire toward Israel and intensified Israeli strikes across the country.

24.03.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iranian ballistic missile intercepted over Lebanon, US Embassy likely target

Tensions in Lebanon remain high amid Hezbollah rocket fire toward Israel and intensified Israeli strikes across the country.

24.03.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Qatar-based Al Jazeera commentators go dark on social media: What to know

Saeed Ziad, who offered a pro-Iran perspective on the war, has not posted on X in days, and the account of Fatima al-Smadi was deleted, though their...

20.03.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

In first remarks, Mojtaba Khamenei vows 'revenge,' holds firm on Hormuz closure

Mojtaba Khamenei did not appear on camera and his remarks were read by presenters on state media.

12.03.2026 20

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

US warns of kidnapping threat in Iraq as Iran-backed militia hits diplomatic facility

A number of US-related sites have been targeted by Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq, prompting Baghdad to bolster its air defenses.

11.03.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Which 6 Kurdish groups could join the war in Iran?

Iranian Kurdish groups that recently formed an alliance could soon join the United States and Israel in their campaign against the Islamic Republic,...

04.03.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Syria begins prisoner exchange with Druze militia in south: What to know

The Suwayda area has seen significant instability since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, complicating government efforts to address...

26.02.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Kuwait amends citizenship law amid revocation spree: What to know

Kuwait has stripped around 50,000 people of their citizenship over alleged forgery and security concerns, with observers alleging the government is...

26.02.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin

Iran’s IRGC tests new weapons as second US aircraft carrier nears region

The drill was at least the third conducted by Iranian forces in the past two weeks.

24.02.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente, Ezgi Akin