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Joyce Karam

@joycekaram.bsky.social
7K followers 155 following 810 posts

Editor-in-Chief, AL-MONITOR | Professor, GWU www.linkedin.com/newsletters/china-…

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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
⚡️SCOOP: Netanyahu’s visit to #UAE was initially scheduled during week of Sept. 14. UAE canceled that trip one hour before takeoff from Israel, saying MBZ was leaving town…but then MBZ never left. Details here on Bibi’s pressure campaign to make the trip: www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
Inside Netanyahu’s relentless push for meeting with UAE’s MBZ
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu managed to persuade the Emiratis to receive him a month before Israel’s elections, but like other Arab capitals, Abu Dhabi is also in contact with his political rival...
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
On Saudi-UAE meeting: - MBS meeting Sheikh Mansour signals desire from highest level to remedy ties w UAE - Yemen game changer but also Hormuz routes - With Israeli elex coming up, Trump's post-midterms Iran policy, Gulf needs closer coordination - Security arrangements priority
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
🗓️ WEBINAR: #Syria’s Sharaa had most interesting 2 months in Middle East. From dissolution of SDF, outreach to Kurds, sanctions relief, Israeli attacks, IAEA visit… no dull moment. Join us Thursday 2 pm ET, 9 pm Damascus to discuss all with great panel ➡️ info.al-monitor.com/dispatch-fro...
info.al-monitor.com
Dispatch from the New Syria: Opportunities and Challenges
Join AL-MONITOR for a conversation with Amberin Zaman, fresh from her latest reporting trip to Syria, and featuring Ibrahim Assil and Aaron Zelin -- moderated by Joyce Karam.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
NEWS: #Israel’s Netanyahu secret visit to UAE has been in works for weeks. He pushed Abu Dhabi to host him ~ 2 weeks ago, Emiratis pushed back…then had to do Sunday’s visit. Details @almonitor.bsky.social www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
On secret UAE visit, Netanyahu asked MBZ to deny pre-Oct. 7 warnings
During his trip to Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked President Mohamed bin Zayed to deny reports that he had been warned ahead of the Oct. 7 attack that Hamas was preparing a major as...
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
🧵Middle East notes from #UNGA • Pessimism over chances of #Iran deal. Spoilers inside Iran+ outside • Saudi-UAE rift visible • Netanyahu disliked by almost every regional leader • Lebanon still folded under Iran,stuck • Syria’s gov opening channels w all inc. Israel
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
NEW: #UAE's Gargash sees prolonged Iran conflict, calls for Iran-Gulf security talks • War with different tempos • Iranian society active, unpredictable • Arab-Iran security strategic talks necessary • Need Yemeni-Yemeni talks +more on Saudi rift here www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
UAE's Gargash expects 'prolonged' war, calls for Iran-Gulf security talks
"We need a new mindset that these sort of discussions ... can happen at an Iranian-American level, it should also take place at an Iranian-Arab level," Gargash told Al-Monitor.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
NEW: How #China gains from Yemen chaos 1- US security posture weakened 2- Chinese weaponry with both sides 3- Saudi -Trump disagreements 4- Iran emboldened. More www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
In Yemen, China exploits US security gap while seeking to curb Houthis
The Houthis’ advances around Bab al-Mandab point to another crack in the US-led Gulf security architecture—one China could gain from diplomatically and economically, even as it seeks to prevent a wide...
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Reposted by Joyce Karam
Al-MONITOR @almonitor.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
ANALYSIS: In Yemen, China exploits US security gap while seeking to curb Houthis Via @joycekaram.bsky.social www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
In Yemen, China exploits US security gap while seeking to curb Houthis
The Houthis’ advances around Bab al-Mandab point to another crack in the US-led Gulf security architecture—one China could gain from diplomatically and economically, even as it seeks to prevent a wide...
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
SCOOP: Israeli intelligence officials do not favor entering war against Houthis at this point, or launching preemptive strikes in #Yemen. Details @almonitor.bsky.social www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
Lacking deterrence, Israel’s security establishment opposes attacks on Houthis
Senior Israeli intelligence sources told Al-Monitor that Israel seeks to avoid involvement in the conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, despite concerns that Yemen could further unravel and t...
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Reposted by Joyce Karam
Al-MONITOR @almonitor.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
In first, Saudi Arabia activates Mecca warning system amid Houthi threat www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
In first, Saudi Arabia activates Mecca warning system amid Houthi threat
Saudi Arabia activated emergency alerts in the holy city for the first time since Yemen's Houthi group intensified its drone and missile attacks on the kingdom.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
UPDATE: #Yemen • Houthis advance, take 2 islands • CENTCOM chief meets Saudi's MBS • Vance: We are talking to Houthis • MBS to Egypt tomorrow • >80,000 displaced www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
Yemen's Houthis push deeper into Red Sea, capture 2 islands: What to know
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have captured two strategic islands in the southern Red Sea, expanding their foothold in the waterway as Saudi Arabia faces growing pressure on its oil export routes.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Precarious situation for #Saudi Arabia as Houthis advance - Taking fire from Houthis, Iraqi militias, and in few cases IRGC - At odds with STC in Yemen - Rivalry still ongoing with UAE - US not reliable as security guarantor - Mecca pact w Turkey, Pakistan proving ineffective
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
CONFIRMED: CENTCOM Chief Adm Cooper is in Saudi Arabia as Houthis take Bab al-Mandab. Major setback for Riyadh with big implications for regional security. More here from @jmszuba.bsky.social www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
Top US general in Saudi Arabia as Yemen's Houthis seize Bab al-Mandeb
The Houthis' seizure of Mocha and Perim Island effectively puts them in a position to close the Bab al-Mandeb.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Interesting move by UAE’s MBZ, pardoning Egyptian-Turkish poet Abdul Rahman Qardawi - Son of Yousef Qardawi, Godfather of Muslim Brotherhood, historically at odds w UAE - Next move will be telling: hand to Egypt where he is wanted (UAE closes case), OR to Turkey (olive branch)?
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
NEW: #China's Xi to visit #Egypt • First in a decade • Follows military drills • Huawei expands AI ties • Amid US differences: Sisi has NOT been to Washington since 2022. More: www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
China's Xi to visit Egypt for first time in decade as military, Huawei ties grow
The visit comes as Chinese telecoms giant Huawei seeks to supply more than 2,000 advanced AI chips for Egyptian government data centers.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
🚨 SCOOP: #Israel rethinking Syria policy, seeking reset with 'Trump's man', envoyTom Barrack, following recent escalation. Details @almonitor.bsky.social www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
Israel recalibrates Syria policy, explores path to security deal
Israel is rethinking its hard-line Syria policy and seeking to repair ties with US envoy and Donald Trump's confidant Tom Barrack amid a push for a security agreement with Damascus.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
And it's official ✅ Syria removed from US state sponsor of terror list after 47 years (admin. statement). Iran only Middle Eastern country left on list along with Cuba, North Korea. Sudan, Libya removed in last 2 decades.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
🚨 NEWS: Syria Designation as Sponsor of Terror Comes Off Today after 47 Years. Major milestone for Damascus: www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
US set to lift Syria's terror designation after 47 years
The Trump administration is expected to rescind the label on Monday, a US official said.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
NEW: #Jordan King Abdullah visits China • 7-day visit • Heavy economic agenda • Hedges against US unpredictability • Comes as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Oman ramp up ties with Beijing. More: www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
King Abdullah visits China as region hedges against US unpredictability
With no end in sight to the war in Iran and an unchecked Israeli policy across the region, the kingdom is hedging against future uncertainty and a less predictable US policy.
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Reposted by Joyce Karam
Al-MONITOR @almonitor.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
King Abdullah visits China as region hedges against US unpredictability With no end in sight to the war in Iran and an unchecked Israeli policy across the region, the kingdom is hedging against future uncertainty and a less predictable US policy. www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
King Abdullah visits China as region hedges against US unpredictability
With no end in sight to the war in Iran and an unchecked Israeli policy across the region, the kingdom is hedging against future uncertainty and a less predictable US policy.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
UPDATE: UAE halts all trade ties w Iran • All trade, commercial ties halted • After 2 ballistic missiles target UAE • Iran FM denies responsibility • First such attack since May • Follows targeting of ADNOC vessels www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
UAE halts all trade ties with Iran after missile attack
The incident follows the UAE blaming Iran for strikes on ADNOC vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
UPDATE • Trump threatens to bomb Oman (longtime US partner) • Oman-Iran nearing Hormuz deal • US-Iran MOU expired.. • IRGC draws plans to escalate if hit: WSJ • Kushner met Hamas, Netanyahu • Clearfield in Lebanon • King of Jordan ✈️ #China www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
Trump threatens to bomb Oman if it 'gets in the way' of US-Iran deal
The US president also threatened to "blow up" the Gulf partner in May.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
📻On Iran and Hormuz, told NPR that #IRGC is consolidating power, doesn't want war to end...what we are seeing is effectively the iteration of the third Islamic Republic. the1a.org/segments/hor...
the1a.org
The News Roundup - International
Bibi walks a tightrope. Friday marks five years since Afghanistan.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
NEW: 3 ways #China benefits from Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan deal 1- Diversification away from US 2- Pakistan alliance 3- More defense sales for Gulf. More: www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
Three ways China benefits from Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan pact: What to know
The pact points to a more multipolar Middle Eastern security order, one in which Washington is no longer the unquestioned center of Gulf security.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
NEWS: #Lebanon has become first Arab country to abolish the death penalty. Major progress for Beirut despite war, outside meddling and economic stagnation www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
Lebanon becomes first Arab country to abolish death penalty
Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc walked out of Tuesday’s session in protest of the measure.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
NEW: 5.5 months into US war in #Iran, regime is fully embracing hardline militant policy. The appointment of IRGC veteran Mohsen Rezaei to top security post is message to Gulf, Washington that this is a time of doubling down on proxies… www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
Who is Iran’s Mohsen Rezaei, hard-line IRGC veteran appointed to top security post?
Mohsen Rezaei's appointment comes as Iran navigates a fragile halt in hostilities with the US and negotiations over reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defense pact - Significant: Reflects anxiety in Gulf, confidence shaken in US after Iran war, attacks by Houthis+Iraqi militias - Not a game changer: Turkey has such agreement w Qatar; Pakistan-KSA have agreement; US security commitment still irreplaceable
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
💡TIP: Lebanon-Israel talks have been PAUSED FOR THE DAY, but will resume tomorrow in Rome, a Lebanese official source tells @almonitor.bsky.social . Israel has been heavily striking South Lebanon today. More to come
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
UPDATE: Hormuz Deal Seen Close • Iran controls🚢 entry, Oman exit • Iran has ability to intervene • Potential service fee, revenue split • Bessent: Could be reached any day www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
The emerging Iran-Oman Hormuz deal: What's at stake?
A framework that gives Tehran a formal role in determining how ships move through the waterway could strengthen its hand in future negotiations with the US.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
⚡️SCOOP: US is withdrawing its last remaining forces from Erbil #Iraq. Patriot systems have already been removed. Details from @amberinzaman.bsky.social www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
US nears full withdrawal from Iraq as bases in Kurdistan Region face attacks from Iran, proxies
Patriot air-defense systems that detect and shoot down incoming missiles and drones have already been removed, sources told Al-Monitor.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
NEW: #China cuts deals with Yemen’s Houthis as Iran-US war drags on • Chinese 🚢going thru Red Sea • Direct talks w Houthis • Offloading Iranian oil in Malaysia • Adjusting to long war • Buying Saudi oil while arranging security w Iran. More: www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
China cuts deal with Houthis, adjusts for long US war with Iran
China is cutting its own deals and gaining wartime leverage as the Trump administration scrambles to contain the war and reopen Hormuz.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
📻On Lebanon, told @halagorani.bsky.social it’s wrong to describe villages razed by Israel — with thousands displaced — as merely “Hezbollah strongholds.” We also discussed why a Netanyahu departure, should he lose 🗳️, may not change much for Beirut… Full episode: youtube.com/watch?v=puEj...
youtube.com
The Battle For Lebanon's Future
YouTube video by Hala Gorani Reports
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Middle East braces for heavy night of escalation as - Trump preps for strikes on Iran - War engulfing Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan - Explosions reach Egypt port - Israel's Netanyahu meets Hegseth - Lebanon-Israel ceasefire shaky
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
UPDATE • Iraq PM cancels visit to Saudi Arabia • 20 killed in Saudi/US strikes in Iraq • Trump vows to hit Iran hard • Oil prices ↗️ • Hezbollah-Israel clashes in Lebanon • Houthis hit another Saudi tanker • Iran rejects Oman Hormuz proposal www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
Zaidi cancels Riyadh trip after US-Saudi strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq
The move comes after Riyadh joined Washington in targeting Iraqi militias, dealing a setback to Baghdad's efforts to strengthen ties with Gulf Arab states.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Trump’s Iran conundrum • Can’t take back Hormuz • Can’t leave Iran controlling Hormuz • Can’t eliminate nuclear prog. • Can’t allow high enrichment • Can’t eliminate Houthis • Can’t afford closure of Bab Mandab • Can’t trust IRGC • Can’t overthrow without ground troops
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
UPDATE • Trump considering 'massive attack' on #Iran: Axios • US warns of possible airspace closure,✈️cancelations • Trump links Saudi nuclear deal to Abraham Accords • Houthis target ships in Red Sea • Oil prices soar > $100 www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
Trump says Saudi nuclear deal 'totally subject' to Israel normalization
Saudi Arabia has previously said normalized relations with Israel would require an irreversible path to Palestinian statehood.
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Reposted by Joyce Karam
Al-MONITOR @almonitor.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
🚨 BREAKING: US, Saudi Arabia sign landmark nuclear power agreement The multi-billion dollar agreement will now undergo congressional review, with expected provisions on uranium enrichment likely to draw scrutiny from some lawmakers. www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
US, Saudi Arabia sign landmark nuclear power agreement
The multi-billion dollar agreement will now undergo congressional review, with expected provisions on uranium enrichment likely to draw scrutiny from some lawmakers.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
🤔 Trump tells #Lebanon's Aoun that Syria's Sharaa would be " very effective" in intervening militarily against Hezbollah INSIDE Lebanon, something Beirut has rejected over and over... www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
Lebanon's Aoun meets Trump at White House as Israel withdraws from pilot zone
President Joseph Aoun arrived in Washington over the weekend and is holding the first Oval Office meeting for a Lebanese head of state since 2009.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
UPDATE: #Lebanon President Joseph Aoun arrives at White House for a meeting with Trump, FIRST on that level since 2009 as US pushes for Beirut's normalization with Israel. Details: www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
Lebanon's Aoun meets Trump at White House as Israel withdraws from pilot zone
President Joseph Aoun arrived in Washington over the weekend and is holding the first Oval Office meeting for a Lebanese head of state since 2009.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
UPDATE: Iran- Houthis- Lebanon • US F-35s, F-16s arrive in region • Iran targeted Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain • US hit Iran targets overnight • 10-day ceasefire proposal • Houthis declare Red Sea blockade • Lebanon President meets Trump tom. www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
As Houthis declare Red Sea blockade on Saudi Arabia, oil markets brace for impact
The Iran-backed group said the maritime embargo on the Gulf's biggest crude exporter would be effective immediately.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
NEW: Top #Oman official visits #China • Al-Kindi makes 2 day visit • 6 weeks after Trump threatened to bomb Oman • Heavier Beijing-Muscat traffic • Growing trade, investment ties. More here in @almonitor.bsky.social China newsletter www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
As US ties fray, top Oman official visits China: What to know
For Oman, recalibrating its ties with Washington after the Iran war means diversifying its partnerships — leaning more on European allies like France and deepening its relationship with China.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Significant: #Lebanon army enters Palestinian camp ahead of Aoun’s US visit, the first since 2009 www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
Lebanon army enters Palestinian camp ahead of Aoun’s US visit
Lebanese military forces took over offices belonging to Palestinian factions inside a refugee camp in the north as a sixth round of talks between Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors concluded.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
NEW: Iran's leadership feeling more confident, buoyant after Khamenei 6-day funeral, is adamant not to return to pre-war order. As MOU crumbles, Houthis on move, one Iranian official told @Alihashem ''The word belongs to the battlefield", www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
'The word belongs to the battlefield': Why Iran, US are drifting back to conflict
Iran no longer seeks a return to the prewar status quo, insisting that any future negotiations begin with the new regional balance created by the conflict rather than seek to restore the old one.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
On Middle East, Lindsey Graham was • Anti-regime in Iran • Anti-Assad in Syria • Very pro-Israel • Good ties w Turkey (NATO) • Pro Kurdish • Supported Iraq war • Pushed hard to bring Saudi Arabia into Abraham Accords • Close ties w UAE • pro Morocco • Good ties w Qatar
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
UPDATE: #Russia for first time confirms talks with #Turkey over fate of S-400 system, amid Trump's nudge that Ankara may re-acquire F-35 jets and reports that UAE, Qatar can host Russian system www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
In first, Russia confirms S-400 talks with Turkey amid transfer reports to acquire F-35
On Friday, the Kremlin spokesperson provided the first confirmation that Turkey and Russia have held discussions about Ankara's efforts to resolve the S-400 issue with Washington.
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Reposted by Joyce Karam
Al-MONITOR @almonitor.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
BREAKING 🚨 France ends Morocco’s World Cup run as last Arab and African team standing www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
France ends Morocco’s World Cup run as last Arab and African team standing
Following the loss, no Arab or African teams remain in the tournament.
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Reposted by Joyce Karam
Al-MONITOR @almonitor.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Trump unexpectedly switches back to old Air Force One, sidelining Qatari jet www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
Trump unexpectedly switches back to old Air Force One, sidelining Qatari jet
By Mike StoneWASHINGTON, July 8 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he will fly from Turkey to Britain on an older Air Force One aircraft, an unexpected switch that raised questions…
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Meanwhile, US is bombing Iran after Iran struck ships in Hormuz. MOU signed 3 weeks ago seems ink on paper Sanctions relief revoked Inspectors kept out Hormuz open but unstable Unclear if frozen funds released Centcom hasn’t released targets yet
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
'We have been cheated': #Egypt slams FIFA after loss to Argentina. This World Cup, FIFA are another level... www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
'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 South American giant.
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Reposted by Joyce Karam
Al-MONITOR @almonitor.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
🚨 Egypt loses to Argentina 3-2, bows out of World Cup after historic run buff.ly/uFyU0rO
al-monitor.com
Egypt loses to Argentina 3-2, bows out of World Cup after historic run
Egypt's Round of 16 appearance was the deepest run in the national team's World Cup history after three previous appearances ended in the group stage.
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