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Adam Lucente

Adam Lucente

Al Monitor

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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...

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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.

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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,...

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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.

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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...

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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."

yesterday 3

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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.

tuesday 2

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Adam Lucente

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 3

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Oman’s sultan talks Iran-US nuclear mediation with Putin in first Russia visit

Oman’s sultan talks Iran-US nuclear mediation with Putin in first Russia visit

Historically neutral Oman has been mediating between the United States and Iran, as Russia seeks to strengthen its ties with the Gulf state.

23.04.2025 20

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Adam Lucente

Islamist leader among 2 dead in Israeli strikes on Lebanon

A leader from Hamas-aligned Lebanese Islamist group Jamaa Islamiya was among two people killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon on Tuesday, the group and...

22.04.2025 7

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Palestinian Islamic Jihad says Syria arrested 2 members: What we know

One of the US demands for sanctions relief on Syria is not engaging with Islamic Jihad, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups.

22.04.2025 6

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

White House denies staffer Merav Ceren’s ties to Israeli defense ministry: What to know

Ceren previously worked for the US Senate, and the administration downplayed reports of her past connection to the Israeli government.

22.04.2025 6

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Middle East churches, Al-Azhar, leaders mourn Pope Francis

Pope Francis was praised by several regional leaders and churches, including Lebanon's Maronite Church and Iraqi officials, who noted his historic...

21.04.2025 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Qatar and Russia to up investment by $2B as emir visits Moscow

Cooperation between Qatar and Russia on energy matters is growing, as Doha seeks to mediate between the Kremlin and Ukraine over the war.

17.04.2025 3

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

China, Egypt to hold first air force drill as military ties grow: What to know

The exercise scheduled for mid-April comes as Egypt-China ties are growing both militarily and economically despite US pressure on Cairo.

16.04.2025 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

'We just ran': survivors recount escape from famine-hit Sudan camp

Amna Hussein didn't stop when the bullet hit her hand. She kept on running as paramilitaries attacked Zamzam displacement camp in Sudan's western...

15.04.2025 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Jordan says 16 arrested in 'sabotage' plot involving rockets, drones

The plans, authorities said relate to manufacturing rockets and drones, possession of explosives and firearms and recruiting operatives in Jordan and...

15.04.2025 6

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Egypt's Sisi visits Qatar, nabs $7.5B in investments: What to know

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s trip to Doha comes amid Egypt’s moves to improve ties with Turkey and tensions with the UAE over the Gaza war.

14.04.2025 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Syria’s Sharaa looks to boost ties with Turkey, Azerbaijan during Antalya visit

The new Syrian president was seeking international recognition at the Turkish forum, while Saudi and other Arab leaders met to discuss Gaza.

12.04.2025 20

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Syria’s Sharaa looks to boost ties with Turkey, Azerbaijan in Antalya visit

The new Syrian president was seeking international recognition at the Turkish forum, while Saudi and other Arab leaders met to discuss Gaza.

11.04.2025 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Liam Lawson on 'crazy' season after Red Bull sacking

Liam Lawson on Thursday reflected on a "crazy" start to his first full season in Formula One.Axed after just two races by Red Bull he was demoted to ...

10.04.2025 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iran oil exports to China soar in March to 1.9M bpd despite US sanctions

The United States and Iran will hold negotiations on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program on Saturday as Tehran hopes to achieve sanctions relief.

10.04.2025 3

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Red Crescent says Israeli troops shot Gaza crew 'with intent to kill'

The Palestine Red Crescent Society said on Monday that 15 medics and rescuers killed by Israeli forces last month in Gaza were shot in the upper body...

07.04.2025 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Oil prices fall as Gulf economies grapple with Trump’s tariffs: What to know

Falling oil prices could negatively impact the budgets of Gulf states and are coinciding with losses in the region’s stock markets.

07.04.2025 3

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Gaza rescuers say Israeli air strikes in north kill at least 15

Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli air strikes in the north of the territory killed at least 15 people Thursday, as the military warned...

03.04.2025 8

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

OPEC+ members boost output as Trump tariffs bring down oil prices

The US president has been calling on Saudi Arabia and other top oil producers to boost production and bring down prices.

03.04.2025 5

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Israel carries out airstrikes in Damascus, Homs, Hama as Syria tensions flare

Israel is upping its military action against Syria despite protests from the new government in Damascus.

03.04.2025 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Israel carries out airstrikes in Damascus, Hama as Syria tensions flare

Israel is upping its military action against Syria despite protests from the new government in Damascus.

02.04.2025 7

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Iran's IRGC says US troops in 'glass room' after Trump threat: What to know

The comments follow President Donald Trump repeating his assertion that the United States will “bomb” Iran if it does not agree to a new agreement...

31.03.2025 3

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

US judge orders Trump admin to save 'Signalgate' chat

A US judge ordered Donald Trump's administration on Thursday to preserve messages from a chat group used by top national security officials to discuss...

28.03.2025 2

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Trump withdraws Elise Stefanik’s nomination for UN ambassador: What to know

Stefanik is a strong supporter of the president and has been highly critical of the United Nations on Israel-related issues.

28.03.2025 5

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Egypt, China ink $1.65B deal for steel factories in Suez: What we know

The deal was signed by Egypt’s General Authority of the Suez Canal Economic Zone and the Industrial Development Authority with Xin Feng Egypt Steel...

26.03.2025 8

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

What’s at stake for Iran-Armenia ties as Araghchi visits Yerevan?

Iran is looking to bolster regional alliances amid Turkey’s rise in influence and remains opposed to the Zangezur Corridor plan, according to experts.

25.03.2025 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Syria's new government seizes 3 million Captagon pills in Aleppo

Authorities have pledged to crack down on Captagon as production and trade continue elsewhere in the region.

21.03.2025 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

UAE brokers Ukraine-Russia swap for 350 prisoners: What we know

The Emirati mediation follows Saudi Arabia's hosting talks on the war and the UAE's boosting its ties with Ukraine.

20.03.2025 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Israel pushes militarily in southern Syria as new strikes kill 3: What we know

Israel said earlier that it struck military sites in southern Syria while the government reported three civilians were killed.

18.03.2025 10

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Saudi group buys 'Pokemon Go' for $3.5 Billion: What we know

Saudi Arabia has spent billions of dollars on video games in recent years, but profitability remains a challenge in the adjacent esports industry.

12.03.2025 2

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Fear among Syrian Christians after deadly attacks

Members of Syria's small Christian community on the coast are living in fear after attacks killed more than 1,000 mostly Alawite civilians, with...

10.03.2025 3

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Syria's president announces deal to integrate Kurdish-led SDF into state structure

The new government in Damascus is seeking to integrate all armed groups in Syria under its command.

10.03.2025 3

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Turkey's Baykar partners with Italy’s Leonardo on drones: What to know

The joint venture could further boost Baykar’s drone fleet and comes amid improving Italy-Turkey trade ties.

06.03.2025 2

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

What’s behind Abbas’ amnesty gesture as Dahlan, others eye role in postwar Gaza?

The move relates to exiled rival Mohammed Dahlan and comes as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are pushing for reforms of the Palestinian...

06.03.2025 5

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Arab states back Egypt’s $53 billion Gaza plan, ‘technocratic’ administration

The plan, which additionally calls for the UN to consider sending peacekeepers to the Palestinian enclave, could face obstacles from Israel and Hamas.

05.03.2025 4

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente

Lebanon’s Aoun in Saudi Arabia seeking army support, $3 billion grant

Saudi Arabia is pleased with recent political developments in Lebanon, said one expert, and the president wants the kingdom to bolster aid to the...

03.03.2025 3

Al Monitor

Adam Lucente