Ali Vaez
“At every stop of Mr. Trump's trip, Arab leaders urged him to find a negotiated settlement with Iran. The alternative is terrible for them. Iran with a bomb or Iran bombed both have bad consequences for the region.”
14 hours ago
Mina al-Lami
“Jihadist and hard-line Islamists inside and outside of Syria worry that Sharaa [Ahmed al-Sharaa] will sell out foreign fighters and normalize ties with Israel, and even crack down on Islamic projects in Syria. Nevertheless, hardliners are struggling to rally broader support, as the lifting of sanctions is widely seen as a major win for Sharaa, and a clear boost to his image and credibility as a political leader.”
15 hours ago
Hossein Derakhshan
“Iran needs to understand that this opportunity will not repeat itself and the lifting of primary and secondary sanctions is worth suspending uranium enrichment for 25 years, or even more!”
15 hours ago
Nicole Grajewski
“Russia exploited the fact that Syria remained sanctioned and that the United States and Europe were dragging their feet on sanctions removal. While the decision to lift sanctions is significant, it is not transformative as Syria still needs investment and there are outstanding issues between minorities and the government as well as the status of the Kurds. Iran, however, is pretty much out of the picture for now. They lack the economic capital to help with reconstruction and are viewed [by Syrians] much more negatively than Russia.”
15 hours ago
Jon B. Alterman
“Governments and publics throughout the gulf like Trump a lot. They feel Western liberals want to shame them on their domestic issues, everything from L.G.B.T. rights to abuse of migrant workers. While there certainly are rising liberal voices in the gulf, most people there see Trump as a common-sense, like-minded leader.”
15 hours ago
Andrew Leber
“The trip was intended to deliver a series of economic, diplomatic and public relations wins for the countries involved. Saudi Arabia got the opportunity to highlight the changing nature of its society and economy, and present itself as a leader in global affairs, both in terms of business opportunities and diplomacy. Mr. Trump got a trip that essentially could not go wrong for him. This was the one place that's guaranteed to give him a very enthusiastic, warm and tightly controlled welcome. If he went anywhere in Latin America, there would be protests. If he went anywhere in Europe, there would be protests. This is a place that's going to speak with him and deal with him on very transactional terms, that's going to put on a big show and where there's not going to be any domestic protests whatsoever.”
15 hours ago
Zeina Khodr
“At the opening of the Arab Summit in Baghdad, speaker after speaker has been talking about the desperate conditions under which Palestinians are living. There is a real fear among the Arab leaders that Israel plans to ethnically cleanse Gaza, resettle the Palestinians, and depopulate this whole region. This is why the statements we have been hearing since this morning are rejecting this plan, saying that the Palestinian people should remain on their own land. But it's Israel that's calling the shots, not these Arab leaders. Israel's actions in recent days - by stepping up the military offensive and talking about permanently staying in Gaza - are sending a message that it is not interested in ending the war. Many will say that unless they have the US on board to help end this war, the Arab states have very little leverage on Israel. The normalisation of relations with Israel is not on the table until Israel commits to Palestinian statehood, and the Arab states are using this as some sort of leverage.”
16 hours ago
Gideon Levy
“The possibility of Iran and the US reaching a nuclear agreement is a very hopeful development. Those who believe only in bombing Iran as the only solution, what can they do? Israel cannot go for an attack over Iran without at least American approval. And if there will be a deal, there will be no approval. And I think many lives will be saved, but Israel can do nothing about it.”
16 hours ago
Ali Vaez
“At every stop of Mr. Trump's trip, Arab leaders urged him to find a negotiated settlement with Iran. The alternative is terrible for them. Iran with a bomb or Iran bombed both have bad consequences for the region.”
14 hours ago
Mina al-Lami
“Jihadist and hard-line Islamists inside and outside of Syria worry that Sharaa [Ahmed al-Sharaa] will sell out foreign fighters and normalize ties with Israel, and even crack down on Islamic projects in Syria. Nevertheless, hardliners are struggling to rally broader support, as the lifting of sanctions is widely seen as a major win for Sharaa, and a clear boost to his image and credibility as a political leader.”
15 hours ago
Hossein Derakhshan
“Iran needs to understand that this opportunity will not repeat itself and the lifting of primary and secondary sanctions is worth suspending uranium enrichment for 25 years, or even more!”
15 hours ago
Nicole Grajewski
“Russia exploited the fact that Syria remained sanctioned and that the United States and Europe were dragging their feet on sanctions removal. While the decision to lift sanctions is significant, it is not transformative as Syria still needs investment and there are outstanding issues between minorities and the government as well as the status of the Kurds. Iran, however, is pretty much out of the picture for now. They lack the economic capital to help with reconstruction and are viewed [by Syrians] much more negatively than Russia.”
15 hours ago
Jon B. Alterman
“Governments and publics throughout the gulf like Trump a lot. They feel Western liberals want to shame them on their domestic issues, everything from L.G.B.T. rights to abuse of migrant workers. While there certainly are rising liberal voices in the gulf, most people there see Trump as a common-sense, like-minded leader.”
15 hours ago
Andrew Leber
“The trip was intended to deliver a series of economic, diplomatic and public relations wins for the countries involved. Saudi Arabia got the opportunity to highlight the changing nature of its society and economy, and present itself as a leader in global affairs, both in terms of business opportunities and diplomacy. Mr. Trump got a trip that essentially could not go wrong for him. This was the one place that's guaranteed to give him a very enthusiastic, warm and tightly controlled welcome. If he went anywhere in Latin America, there would be protests. If he went anywhere in Europe, there would be protests. This is a place that's going to speak with him and deal with him on very transactional terms, that's going to put on a big show and where there's not going to be any domestic protests whatsoever.”
15 hours ago
Zeina Khodr
“At the opening of the Arab Summit in Baghdad, speaker after speaker has been talking about the desperate conditions under which Palestinians are living. There is a real fear among the Arab leaders that Israel plans to ethnically cleanse Gaza, resettle the Palestinians, and depopulate this whole region. This is why the statements we have been hearing since this morning are rejecting this plan, saying that the Palestinian people should remain on their own land. But it's Israel that's calling the shots, not these Arab leaders. Israel's actions in recent days - by stepping up the military offensive and talking about permanently staying in Gaza - are sending a message that it is not interested in ending the war. Many will say that unless they have the US on board to help end this war, the Arab states have very little leverage on Israel. The normalisation of relations with Israel is not on the table until Israel commits to Palestinian statehood, and the Arab states are using this as some sort of leverage.”
16 hours ago
Gideon Levy
“The possibility of Iran and the US reaching a nuclear agreement is a very hopeful development. Those who believe only in bombing Iran as the only solution, what can they do? Israel cannot go for an attack over Iran without at least American approval. And if there will be a deal, there will be no approval. And I think many lives will be saved, but Israel can do nothing about it.”
16 hours ago
“The success of Russia depends on one thing: on the preparedness of partners to make bold decisions. If decisions are taken, Ukraine is successful on the ground. If they are not taken, then do not complain on Ukraine, complain on yourself. Ukraine only wants to strike legitimate military targets in Russia. If we are supplied a sufficient amount of missiles, if we are allowed to strike, we will significantly decrease the capacity of Russia to inflict damage on our critical infrastructure and we will improve the situation of our forces on the ground.”
“There are two specific decisions that our partners can make to help us put an end to Russian terror sooner. First, affirming Ukraine's long-range strikes on all legitimate military targets on Russian territory. Second, agreeing to use partners' air defence capabilities to shoot down missiles and drones close to their airspace. Neither of these decisions would lead to an escalation of war. On the contrary, they will deter Russia, help reduce terror and the number of Russian attacks, as well as the resulting casualties. Act now, not later. Help us save lives.”
“I emphasised the significance of a just peace, not just any peace. And my Chinese counterpart himself added, 'fair and long'. This is critical because we are usually the ones who insist that peace be durable - long-term and just. This is significant; we have received a clear indication that China is not looking for interim fixes or ceasefires but rather for a long-term, strategic solution to the problem of Russia's war against Ukraine. This is also an extremely positive indicator.”
“The text is balanced, all of our principled positions on which Ukraine had insisted have been considered. Of course we...understand perfectly that a time will come when it will be necessary to talk to Russia. But our position is very clear: We will not allow Russia to speak in the language of ultimatums like it is speaking now.”
“Ukraine's partners can do two things to prevent these attacks [Russian strike on the Epicentr home improvement hypermarket in Kharkiv]. First, to give Ukraine more Patriot and other air defence systems. Second, to allow Ukraine to shoot down Russian military aircraft before they drop bombs on Kharkiv and other [Ukrainian] cities and populated areas. Give Ukraine more air defence systems and support Ukrainian strikes on military targets in Russia. Act now.”
“This horrific attack [on Kharkiv and Lyubotyn] should remind everyone around the world that Ukraine still urgently needs seven Patriot systems. We are very grateful to Germany for announcing another system. But getting six more as soon as possible remains critical not only for Ukraine's survival, but also for peace in Europe. Everyone should be clearly aware of what is being said. Every day of delay and debate not only costs lives, but also brings the possibility of a larger war in Europe closer.”
“We are coordinating the next steps regarding the search and delivery of additional air-defense systems to Ukraine, primarily Patriot systems. I appreciate David's [David Cameron] active, results-oriented attitude.”
“Germany, as the leader of the air defence coalition operating within the Ramstein-format group, will immediately initiate an analysis of all available Patriot systems and batteries and other air defence systems, not only among allies, but also in the world. And what can be done, what combinations can be employed to ensure that these batteries are delivered to Ukraine.”
“The era of peace in Europe is over. And every time Ukrainian soldiers withdraw from a Ukrainian town because of the lack of ammunition, think of it not only in terms of democracy and defending the world-based order, but also in terms of Russian soldiers getting a few kilometres closer to your towns.”
“Whoever controls the skies will define when and how the war will end. We are fighting a powerful enemy, a very big enemy that doesn't sleep. It takes time. We defeated them on the land in 2022. We defeated them in the sea in 2023 and we are completely focused on defeating them in the air in 2024.”
“We have to continue, we have to keep fighting. Ukraine is not going to back down. The issue here is not just Ukraine's security, it is the security and safety of the entire Euro-Atlantic space.”
“We don't feel that the U.S support has been shattered... because the United States understands that what is at stake in Ukraine is much bigger than just Ukraine.”
“I think it will not be an exaggeration to say that President Erdogan is probably the only man in the world who can convince President Putin to return to the Black Sea Grain Initiative.”
“In the last week alone, the Russian Federation has struck through more than a hundred Iranian kamikaze drones against residential buildings, power stations, sewage treatment plants, bridges and playgrounds in a number of Ukrainian cities. Dozens of people, including children, were killed and injured. We call on Tehran to immediately stop supplying Russia with any weapons.”
“Sham 'referendums' will not change anything. Russia has been and remains an aggressor illegally occupying parts of Ukrainian land. Ukraine has every right to liberate its territories and will keep liberating them whatever Russia has to say.”
“In total, two-thirds of the ships sent are directed to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The recovery of Ukrainian food exports through the grain corridor had a positive effect on the reduction of prices as in August, after first shipments were completed, wheat prices fell by at least five percent. The Russians' fakes about sending Ukrainian grain only to Europe simply do not correspond to reality.”
“Russia has committed another petrifying war crime by shelling a correctional facility in the occupied Olenivka where it held Ukrainian POWs. I call on all partners to strongly condemn this brutal violation of international humanitarian law and recognize Russia a terrorist state.”
“Putin wanted to occupy the Donbas by May 9. We are (there) on June 24 and still fighting. Retreating from a few battles does not mean losing the war at all.”
“We need heavy weapons. The only position where Russia is better than us, it's the amount of heavy weapons they have. Without artillery, without multiple launch rocket systems we won't be able to push them back.”
“We didn't really have any contacts with Russian diplomats in recent weeks at the level of foreign ministries. The only level of contact is the negotiating team that consists of the representatives of various institutions and members of parliament. They continue their consultations at the expert level but no high level talks are taking place.”