menu_open Columnists
Adam Lucente

Adam Lucente

Al Monitor

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Rebuking 5-year sentence, France urges Algeria to pardon Sansal: What to know

France-Algeria relations have deteriorated recently, marked by expulsions of diplomats and tensions over Moroccan control of Western Sahara, migration...

yesterday 0

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iran’s rial falls by 3% as Tehran grapples with war aftermath

The rial has fallen considerably since May, as officials lash out against the US despite the recent conflict coming to a close.

yesterday 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

US envoy in Saudi Arabia to coordinate Syria support amid Abraham Accords push

US envoy in Saudi Arabia to coordinate Syria support amid Abraham Accords push

Tom Barrack, who has been vocal about the need to engage the new Syrian government, said the Trump administration’s goal is to protect the country...

27.06.2025 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Netanyahu asks court to postpone corruption trial summons: lawyer

Netanyahu asks court to postpone corruption trial summons: lawyer

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked a court on Thursday to postpone his testimony in his long-running corruption trial, after US President...

26.06.2025 2

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Al Nassr until 2027

Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Al Nassr until 2027

Cristiano Ronaldo inked a two-year extension with Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr, the club announced Thursday, following months of speculation over which...

26.06.2025 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Netanyahu seeks to postpone trial summons after Trump backing

Netanyahu seeks to postpone trial summons after Trump backing

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked a court on Thursday to postpone his testimony in his long-running corruption trial, after US President...

26.06.2025 3

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

In first speech after war, Khamenei strikes defiant tone against US, Israel

In first speech after war, Khamenei strikes defiant tone against US, Israel

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed Iran would not "surrender" to the US and made a number of claims about the damage inflicted on Israel and the US base in...

26.06.2025 7

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

As Iran ceasefire holds, Israel gas fields resume production: What to know

As Iran ceasefire holds, Israel gas fields resume production: What to know

Egypt and Jordan are increasingly reliant on Israel for gas despite tensions over Gaza, but the conflict with Iran threatened their imports.

26.06.2025 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Abbas sends letter to Trump, offers to work on Israeli-Palestinian deal

Abbas sends letter to Trump, offers to work on Israeli-Palestinian deal

In the letter, Abbas showered Trump with praise, saying the US president "can achieve what seemed impossible: a recognized, free, sovereign, and...

25.06.2025 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iraq orders investigation after attacks on Taji, Imam Ali bases: What to know

Iraq orders investigation after attacks on Taji, Imam Ali bases: What to know

The attacks were carried out with "several small suicide drones" and began hours after Iran targeted a US military base in Qatar.

24.06.2025 2

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

US 'must now await' response, Iran warns, downplaying nuclear damage

US 'must now await' response, Iran warns, downplaying nuclear damage

Islamic Republic officials acknowledged limited damage to nuclear sites following the American strikes and vowed to attack the United States and...

22.06.2025 2

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Was Maher al-Assad, brother of ousted Syrian president, spotted in Moscow?

Maher al-Assad is wanted for war crimes and reportedly fled to Russia by way of Iraq as rebel forces took over Syria.

19.06.2025 9

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

China, India, EU countries evacuate citizens from Iran and Israel

Some countries are urging citizens to leave Israel and Iran via land borders as the airports remain closed.

18.06.2025 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

State TV to IRGC elite: Here are Israel’s main targets in Iran war

At least seven senior Iranian officials have been killed in the Israeli strikes, which have expanded to include government institutions and energy...

17.06.2025 3

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

As dinar drops, Iraq says embassies safe in light of US-Iran tension

As dinar drops, Iraq says embassies safe in light of US-Iran tension

The Iraqi dinar fell slightly on Thursday, as the country responds to the latest round of potential escalation between the United States and Iran.

13.06.2025 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Amid Gulf pressure, Abbas tells Macron 'Hamas will no longer rule Gaza'

Abbas has increased his anti-Hamas rhetoric in recent weeks as war rages in Gaza and a deal with Israel remains elusive, but the group has refused the...

11.06.2025 9

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Syria’s top Islamic body issues decree against honor killings: What to know

US special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack referred to the decision as “great first steps,” though concerns persist about the new Islamist-led government.

06.06.2025 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Trump travel ban bars entry from Iran, Libya, Sudan, Yemen

The president issued a number of travel bans largely aimed at Middle Eastern countries during his first term, and the new one targets countries the...

05.06.2025 20

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iran says 13 ISIS affiliates arrested for planning suicide attacks

ISIS’ Khorasan branch has conducted numerous attacks against Iran in recent years, prompting authorities to pursue its members.

04.06.2025 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Israel shells southern Syria, says Sharaa ‘directly responsible’ for threats

Regional players have been mediating talks between Israel and Syria in an effort to reduce tensions amid Israeli strikes on the country.

04.06.2025 7

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

PLO officials in Lebanon as push to disarm Palestinian camps gains steam

The effort to disarm Palestinian armed groups in Lebanon’s refugee camps will require outside support, according to one expert, as pressure to...

03.06.2025 5

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Egyptian national charged in attack at Colorado rally for Israeli hostages: What to know

The attack is the second in as many weeks targeting pro-Israel events in the United States and is being investigated by the FBI as an act of...

02.06.2025 7

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Egypt to ramp up ties with Belarus as Russia opens Red Sea consulate

Russia plans to open a new consulate in coastal Sharm el-Sheikh, following Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s visit to Moscow and signs of...

30.05.2025 5

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Tom Barrack talks Syria aid during Saudi Arabia, Jordan visits: What to know

The US and EU recently lifted numerous sanctions on Syria, and the country received a massive wheat shipment on Wednesday.

29.05.2025 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iran lashes out at Saudi Arabia over detained cleric: What to know

Iran-Saudi Arabia relations have improved in recent years, including with regard to Hajj-related cooperation, though issues remain over Iranian...

28.05.2025 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Gulf states court China, ASEAN at landmark Malaysia summit: What to know

The Gulf Cooperation Council’s summit with the Southeast Asia bloc was expanded to include China, bringing the emir of Qatar and Saudi Arabia’s...

27.05.2025 3

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iraqi Kurdistan PM Barzani backs cautious engagement with Syria’s new rulers

Speaking at an Al-Monitor Global Institute Event in Washington, Barzani urged Kurdish unity and said Damascus must prove it can lead a divided Syria.

23.05.2025 9

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

China expands foothold in Egypt’s Suez with $17M garment deals

China has signed more than a billion dollars' worth of deals in the Suez Canal Economic Zone this year as the waterway reels from the Red Sea crisis.

20.05.2025 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Rubio says Syria could be weeks away from 'full-scale civil war'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Tuesday that Syria could be weeks away from a fresh civil war of "epic proportions," as he called for support...

20.05.2025 3

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Russia’s Hmeimim base comes under attack in Syria: What to know

Russia is aiming to maintain its military bases in Syria following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, while a number of Syrians are currently...

20.05.2025 6

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Why US is offering $10M reward for info on Hezbollah in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay

Hezbollah maintains a presence in South America’s tri-border area as well as in friendly Venezuela.

20.05.2025 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iran, Azerbaijan hold military drill in disputed Nagorno-Karabakh: What to know

Military cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan is increasing as overall relations improve after years of tensions over Armenia and Israel.

19.05.2025 3

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

As Trump heads to UAE, tech and trade to dominate agenda, not defense

The Emirati official said that the US' easing of sanctions on Syria is “the right thing to do,” but expressed concerns about stability and safety...

15.05.2025 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

As Trump lands in UAE, tech and trade to dominate agenda, not defense

The Emirati official said that the US' easing of sanctions on Syria is “the right thing to do,” but expressed concerns about stability and safety...

15.05.2025 20

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Egypt’s Sisi in Russia, meets Putin after military parade: What to know

Egypt and the Palestinian Authority both sent representatives to Russia for the annual World War II parade as they court ties with Moscow.

10.05.2025 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Thousands gather for rare peace event in Jerusalem

Thousands gathered for a rare peace event in Jerusalem on Friday, with the Gaza war in its 20th month, the UN warning of humanitarian catastrophe...

09.05.2025 9

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Egypt’s Sisi meets Putin at Russian military parade: What to know

Egypt and the Palestinian Authority both sent representatives to Russia for the annual World War II parade as they court ties with Moscow.

09.05.2025 3

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

UN Palestinian agency says irreplacable in Gaza

It is "very difficult" to imagine any operation to deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip without the UN agency for Palestinian refugees,...

09.05.2025 9

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iran’s IRGC unveils underground 'drone city': What to know

Iran has unveiled a number of weapons and bases and held military drills in 2025 amid tensions with the United States and Israel.

09.05.2025 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Saudi crown prince hosts Palestinian VP Sheikh days before Trump visit

The trip comes ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to the kingdom, as the Palestinian Authority eyes a role in postwar Gaza and Arab states push...

09.05.2025 20

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

As Iran lashes out, Trump undecided on changing ‘Persian Gulf’ to ‘Arabian Gulf’

Trump distanced himself from a report that he would instruct the government to stop using the term "Persian Gulf."

08.05.2025 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Goldman Sachs lowers oil forecast after OPEC+ boosts production: What to know

Saudi Arabia, Russia and other members of OPEC announced another major production increase, sending oil prices below $60 a barrel.

06.05.2025 3

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

OPEC+ moves up meeting as oil prices continue to drop: What to know

Saudi Arabia has signaled it is willing to live with lower oil prices as US President Donald Trump calls for more production.

02.05.2025 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Switzerland to ban Hamas on May 15, allowing expulsions: What we know

Historically neutral Switzerland moved to ban Hamas after the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, mirroring actions taken by others on the continent.

01.05.2025 20

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Venezuela’s VP meets emir in Qatar, looks to expand energy ties: What to know

Qatar has demonstrated interest in Venezuela’s recovering oil industry as well as mediation between the US and the South American country.

30.04.2025 5

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Saudi Arabia, Israel, Turkey rank in top 20 global military spenders: What to know

Regional military spending saw a significant increase in 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, amid conflicts in...

29.04.2025 20

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

From Al-Azhar to Turkey: Middle East dignitaries gather for Pope Francis' funeral

Lebanon, Turkey and Egypt are among the countries sending high-level delegations to Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral, while Israel is sending an...

25.04.2025 6

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Lebanon summons Iran’s ambassador in warning against Hezbollah interference

Iranian Ambassador Mojtaba Amani’s criticism of any plans to disarm Hezbollah sparked controversy in Lebanon as Beirut seeks to gradually bring...

24.04.2025 6

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Jordan bans Muslim Brotherhood: Here's what we know about the group

The Muslim Brotherhood, which calls for the Islamization of society, is popular throughout parts of the Arab world but has been banned by several...

24.04.2025 7

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Jordan bans Muslim Brotherhood as king visits Saudi Arabia

The decision follows an alleged plot against Jordan that authorities said was linked to the Islamist organization.

23.04.2025 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente