menu_open Columnists
Adam Lucente

Adam Lucente

Al Monitor

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Delegates walk out as Netanyahu touts Iran war, slams Qatar and Turkey at UN

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's statement that the Golan Heights will “remain Syrian...

thursday 2

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Fresh clashes leave 6 dead in Iran's Sistan and Baluchistan: What to know

Iran is experiencing worsening violence in the southeast amid the broader regional conflict and following a dispute over the environmental impact of a...

23.09.2026 5

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Egypt hosts Greece, Cyprus defense ministers: What to know

Egypt is looking to increase security and energy cooperation with both countries as part of a focus on the eastern Mediterranean.

22.09.2026 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Waltz: ‘Door open’ to Iran talks, more countries eye Abraham Accords

Speaking at Al-Monitor Live New York, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said that several more regional states have expressed their...

20.09.2026 6

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Syria’s Shibani visits Latakia airport to review Russia deal progress: What to know

Syria is seeking to ensure that the August deal to turn Russian facilities in the country into joint training centers is implemented.

18.09.2026 8

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Israeli show ‘Fauda’ tops Netflix in Lebanon, hits top 10 across Arab states

The show was created by Israeli journalist Avi Issacharoff and actor Lior Raz, drawing on their experiences serving in the Israeli military’s elite...

16.09.2026 2

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Syria’s Sharaa talks economic ties with UAE leader: What to know

The UAE is moving to boost trade and investment ties with Syria amid the conflicts in the region and following initial caution in its dealings with...

15.09.2026 6

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Houthi top diplomat says no intention to shut down Red Sea shipping, group open to talks

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Acting Foreign Minister of the Houthi-led administration Abdulwahid Abu Ras said concerns over a potential...

15.09.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Houthi top diplomat cites 'common ground' with Iran amid sweeping Red Sea gains

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Acting Foreign Minister of the Houthi-led administration Abdulwahid Abu Ras said concerns over a potential...

15.09.2026 7

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Third Sunni cleric killed in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchistan Province: What to know

Iran says it is stepping up its crackdown on armed groups in the impoverished province as Sunni clerics have been reported killed there and in the...

14.09.2026 8

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Israel says it destroyed Hezbollah tunnels in Ali al-Taher ridge: What to know

The ridge has become a flashpoint in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon due to its extensive tunnel network Israel says is utilized by the...

10.09.2026 3

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iran's IRGC set to declare new ‘sanctions zone’ beyond Hormuz: What to know

The latest Iranian effort to assert control over waterways in the region follows heavy US strikes targeting oil tankers.

09.09.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iran to declare new ‘sanctions zone’ in Gulf: What to know

The latest Iranian effort to assert control over waterways in the region follows heavy US strikes targeting oil tankers.

09.09.2026 5

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Egypt's Sisi hosts Greece, Cyprus leaders for energy talks: What to know

The three-way summit in Cairo follows electricity and gas deals between the three countries as Egypt addresses its gas production struggles.

08.09.2026 9

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Turkey and Greece's intelligence chiefs hold rare talks: What to know

The meeting comes after Turkey recently warned Greece over what it called an arms race in the Eastern Mediterranean.

04.09.2026 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Houthi escalation in western Yemen kills 13 government forces: What to know

At least 13 government troops were killed as Houthi forces launched a broad offensive across western Yemen.

03.09.2026 7

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

After gun found in lake, French police probe link to 2012 Iraqi family murder

A recently discovered Luger pistol may have been used in the mysterious 2012 killing of the al-Hilli family near the Alpine town of Chevaline in...

02.09.2026 3

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Fresh fighting in Syria's Suwayda leaves one dead: What to know

Renewed clashes in Suwayda highlight the fragile security situation in the Druze-majority province.

01.09.2026 8

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iraq sentences kidnapper of US journalist Shelly Kittleson to 15 years: What to know

The first sentencing in relation to Shelly Kittleson’s abduction comes as Iraq moves to rein in Iran-backed militias.

31.08.2026 8

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iraq reinforces Saudi border security amid militia tensions: What to know

Iraq is sending the reinforcements in response to Iran-backed militia attacks and as it looks to build security ties with Riyadh.

28.08.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Qatar PM meets Pezeshkian, Rezaee as Doha seeks US-Iran mediation

Iran has recently signaled a desire to re-engage with the US but is hampered by internal divisions, said one expert.

27.08.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Qatar PM heads to Tehran amid flurry of regional diplomacy

The visit by Sheikh Mohammed al-Thani to Tehran follows Pakistan and Oman sending senior officials to the Islamic Republic.

26.08.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

In shift, Lebanon grants Iranian ambassador residency extension

Mohammad Reza Sheibani’s visa was set to expire early Tuesday morning and he was first ordered to leave in March.

24.08.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iraq’s Zaidi doubles down on militia disarmament, boosting oil exports

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi made the comments amid Hormuz-related export struggles and a nearing deadline for armed groups to disarm.

21.08.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Houthis claim new strikes on Saudi Arabia after IRGC warning: What to know

A senior Iranian commander said Saudi Arabia will be unable to the defeat the Yemeni group as the conflict intensifies.

20.08.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

China slams Trump over economic war on Iran: What to know

China’s once significant oil imports from Iran have been impacted by the war in the region and increasing US sanctions.

20.08.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iran’s Ghalibaf makes high-level visit to Iraq ahead of disarmament deadline

The Iraqi parliament speaker is calling on his Iranian counterpart to help Iraq export oil through Hormuz amid the regional conflict.

19.08.2026 9

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

What we know about Israeli strikes on Syrian air base tied to Turkey

An Israeli official told Fox News on Tuesday that Israel shared “highly sensitive intelligence” with the US ahead of the strike, without providing...

18.08.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Yemen’s Houthis claim new attack on Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia: What to know

The strike follows a deadly Houthi attack on a ship in the Red Sea as the renewed conflict take its toll on shipping.

13.08.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iraq intel and security officials visit Saudi Arabia after drone attacks

Iraqi authorities are cracking down on drone attacks after US and Saudi airstrikes targeted Iran-backed militias in the country.

13.08.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iran’s Hormuz authority denies Trump claims of control over strait: What to know

Trump administration officials have said oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are rising, but maritime traffic remains diminished.

12.08.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

IRGC chief Qaani reportedly in Iraq ahead of militia deadline

Esmail Qaani, who heads the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, has been heavily involved in Iran’s relations with Iraqi militias.

11.08.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iran’s Khamenei appoints six military commanders: What to know

The appointments, which replace figures killed in the war, follow Khamenei naming a new leader of the Islamic Republic’s top security body.

10.08.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

AIPAC to oppose El-Sayed after major Michigan primary victory

The America Israel Public Affairs Committee said it will work to oppose Abdul El-Sayed’s “radical anti-Israel agenda” as his opponent seeks to...

05.08.2026 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iran hangs 2 over alleged Mossad ties as executions mount: What to know

Rights groups have warned that Iran may step up executions with the resumption of the war in the region.

03.08.2026 20

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

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 20

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 20

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 20

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 20

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 20

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 30

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 20

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 20

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 20

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 20

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 20

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 30

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 30

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 30

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 20

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente