Mona Alami is researcher and a journalist on Middle East political and economic affairs , with a special interest in non-state armed actors and gender issues.
Amidst an ongoing political row between Lebanon and Gulf states and Hezbollah's tightening grip on Lebanese politics, it is unlikely that Saudi Arabia will recant its hardline position on the crisis-hit nation anytime soon, writes Mona Alami.
Comment: As the Syrian civil war begins to come to its conclusion, Assad is clearing out any competition by conducting a large purge of paramilitary forces, writes Mona Alami.
Comment: In addition to anger over corruption and the lavish lives of the elites, the effects of climate change are compounding resentment in Iraqi society, writes Mona Alami.
Comment: Iraq's elections are shedding light on the the deep rift within the PMU, and the contested influence of Iran in the organisation's future, writes Mona Alami.
Comment: Rather than exacerbate sectarian rifts, the drama surrounding Lebanese PM Hariri's resignation has actually served to boost national harmony, writes Mona Alami.
