Al-Monitor

Latest for Al-Monitor: On Oct. 13, 2024, #SaudiArabia's naval forces took part in the #Medusa13 joint naval-air exercise in the #Mediterranean - on the Greek island of Crete - alongside units from #Greece, #Egypt, #France, and #Cyprus. This participation is particularly relevant as it highlights: 👉 Riyadh’s growing ambition to play a more active role in regional maritime security (not as easy due to a traditionally Saudi land-focused military strategy, low perception of maritime threats, and limited technical expertise); 👉 KSA's efforts to improve and expand its naval capabilities (in line with its hashtag #VIsion2030 and its long-overdue feet modernization); 👉 Its commitment to diversifying its military partnerships and enhancing defense ties through collaborative drills also with countries from the #EU. 👉 Ryadh's clear testament to the growing relevance of the Mediterranean for the Kingdom's security architecture (a region of increasing importance due to its energy security and geopolitical relevance. As regional tensions affect both the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, the kingdom’s ability to secure these vital waterways becomes even more critical.) Thanks to Jean-Loup Samaan for helping me dive into this insightful topic. Enjoy! 👇

Here in my latest for Al-Monitor I look into what a proposed comprehensive agreement between Russia and Iran could look like. https://lnkd.in/dqUPd-Da

🇹🇷🇺🇲 In my latest analysis for Al-Monitor, I discuss the death of long-time U.S. resident, cult leader, and cleric #FethullahGulen, and the measures that #Turkiye / #Turkey will take to curtail #Gulentist networks' global influence, especially in America. Immense gratitude to Ali Burak DARICILI and other experts for their comments. https://lnkd.in/d5phGkED #FETO

🇹🇷🇺🇲 In my latest analysis for Al-Monitor, I discuss the death of long-time U.S. resident, cult leader, and cleric #FethullahGulen, and the measures that #Turkiye / #Turkey will take to curtail #Gulentist networks' global influence, especially in America. Immense gratitude to Ali Burak DARICILI and other experts for their comments. https://lnkd.in/d5phGkED #FETO

Here in my latest for Al-Monitor I look into what a proposed comprehensive agreement between Russia and Iran could look like. https://lnkd.in/dqUPd-Da

This week in Al-Monitor Gulf Briefing: The emir's push to scrap the short-lived electoral system would undermine Qatar’s efforts to grant citizens some degree of representation in the political scene. "This development in Qatar should be seen within a context of a general retreat from democratization and liberalization in the GCC," Giorgio Cafiero said.

There’s been a notable shift in #China’s tone toward #Israel and the war in recent weeks. First, Wang Yi made no mention of Israel in his September 29 UN speech. Then, Chinese media subtly acknowledged the October 7 massacre. Soon after, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson recognized Israel's right to self-defense, and Wang Yi urged #Iran to “spare the region from further turmoil.” In my latest piece for Al-Monitor, I explain why: Anyone expecting this to signal a major policy shift from China will be disappointed. China's stance aligns with its principle of “indivisible security,” as seen in its approach to the Russia-Ukraine war. China's policy on Israel-Palestinians has remained consistent for years; the shift in rhetoric reflects tactical adjustments to changes in context, not strategy. Beijing now sees this as more than just an Israel-Gaza/Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With vast regional interests and domestic issues to manage, China has little to gain from further regional destabilization by Iran or its proxies. The Middle East isn’t Beijing's top priority (compared to the South China Sea, Taiwan, or the US), and China prefers it stays that way. Beijing also acknowledges that Hamas and Hezbollah are different entities. Hezbollah’s cause doesn’t resonate with the Global South and Muslim world like that of the Palestinians, and Israel didn’t initiate the conflict with Hezbollah—warranting a different assessment and response from Beijing. Special thanks to Carice Witte and Ahmed Aboudouh for sharing their insights with me. #geopolitics #MiddleEast https://lnkd.in/e8M7DpNn

Iraq's Kurdistan voted on Sunday to elect a new parliament for the autonomous oil-rich region, where voters expressed concern over economic struggles and disenchantment with the political elite. Read on ✍🏼 https://lnkd.in/gtPCzE5v

In my latest analysis for Al-Monitor, I discuss today's meeting between #Turkiye / #Turkey's President Recep Tayyip #Erdoğan and #Germany's Chancellor Olaf #Scholz in #Istanbul. At the top of the agenda is the sale of the #Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Immense gratitude to Harun Resit Aydin, Kozan S. Erkan, and Kaner Kurt for their comments and previous content. https://lnkd.in/dYu5g2R8

In my latest analysis for Al-Monitor, I discuss today's meeting between #Turkiye / #Turkey's President Recep Tayyip #Erdoğan and #Germany's Chancellor Olaf #Scholz in #Istanbul. At the top of the agenda is the sale of the #Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Immense gratitude to Harun Resit Aydin, Kozan S. Erkan, and Kaner Kurt for their comments and previous content. https://lnkd.in/dYu5g2R8