Adam Lucente

Adam Lucente is a correspondent for Al-Monitor covering business and technology news. He has reported extensively on conflict, human rights and culture from Iraq, Syria, Jordan and other countries across the Middle East. On Twitter: @Adam_Lucente

Iraq | Aug 7, 2023

Iraqi militias continue to use Telegram despite block

Iraq’s state media channel switched to the Israeli-founded Viber in response to the ban. Telegram is popular with protesters and militias alike in Iraq.

In this photo illustration, the messaging service Telegram app is seen on a mobile phone on Jan. 11, 2021.

Syria | Aug 4, 2023

Turkey conducts drone strike against Kurdish forces in Syria

Turkey is escalating its attacks on the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. Meanwhile, another Islamic State leader has been confirmed dead in the country.

Gulf | Aug 4, 2023

Qatar loans Argentina $775 million to repay IMF

Qatar continues its practice of assisting financially strapped countries by providing a loan to Argentina, which is also planning to use the yuan to purchase Chinese imports.

A man stands in front of Argentina's Central Bank in Buenos Aires, on May 15, 2023.

Gulf | Aug 4, 2023

UAE’s ADNOC buys stake in Azerbaijan gas field

The move follows a wind and solar energy deal between an Emirati firm and Azerbaijan.

A picture shows the headquarters of UAE's state oil company ADNOC in Dubai on July 27, 2022.

Lebanon | Aug 3, 2023

Lebanon: Republicans in Congress call for sanctions against political class

The letters come amid Lebanon’s continued political paralysis, economic crisis and rising tensions with Israel. Some members of Congress are calling for sanctions on parliament speaker Nabih Berri, an ally of Hezbollah.

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri heads the 12th parliamentary session to elect a new president in the capital Beirut's downtown district on June 14, 2023 amid bitter divisions between the powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah and its opponents. Lawmakers in crisis-hit Lebanon failed for a 12th time to elect a new president, with bitter divisions between the powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah and its opponents marring the vote. (Photo by ANWAR AMRO / AFP) (Photo by ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty Images)

North Africa | Aug 3, 2023

Morocco makes history, advances at Women’s World Cup

The Atlas Lionesses are the first team from the Arab World to play in the soccer tournament.

Kuwait | Aug 2, 2023

From Egypt to Iran, heatwave compounds Middle East electricity problems, climate change burdens

Countries like Iraq are particularly susceptible to climate change, as recurring blackouts make it harder to stay cool indoors.

Iran | Aug 2, 2023

Iran's IRGC holds military drills at disputed UAE islands

Iran held war games as a top oil official said the Islamic Republic will not give up “one iota” of its rights to the disputed Durra gas field in a potential sign of tension with Arab Gulf states.