Joyce Karam

Joyce Karam is the senior news editor at Al-Monitor and a journalist with two decades of experience covering the Middle East, US foreign policy and international affairs. Joyce is the author of Al-Monitor's weekly China-Middle East Briefing newsletter, and a professor of political science at George Washington University. Contact info

Gulf | May 16, 2024

Analysis

Saudi cautious as Iran looks to make gains from Putin’s China visit

As Putin was making his way to Beijing, Alexie Miller, chair of Russia’s Gazprom, was in Tehran, where he met First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber and Oil Minister Javad Owji, the company said.

A military band welcomed the President with the Russian national anthem, and the Russian tricolor was hoisted over Tiananmen Square.

Palestine | Mar 22, 2024

Analysis

Three reasons behind rare China-Hamas meeting in Qatar

From the location to the timing and the messaging, the China-Hamas meeting on Sunday underscored Beijing's messaging and approach to the Gaza war without, however, elevating its role to a broker in the conflict.

Wang Kejian (left) meets Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar on Oct. 17, 2023. - Hamas via Telegram

Israel | Jan 16, 2024

Blinken says stay on the job as federal employees protest Gaza

The organizers behind Tuesday’s “Day of Mourning” said federal employees at more than two dozen agencies planned to take off work to protest the administration's handling of the Gaza war.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addresses a press conference in Tel Aviv on Jan. 9, 2024, during his week-long trip aimed at calming tensions across the Middle East.

Washington Pulse | Jan 12, 2024

ALM Exclusive

US government employees plan walkout over Biden’s Gaza policies

Organizers of the effort told Al-Monitor they expect hundreds to join in their walkout after securing commitments from individuals at 22 federal agencies.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 12: U.S. President Joe Biden walks to Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House January 12, 2024 in Washington, DC. President Biden is traveling to Allentown, Pennsylvania today, where he will visit small businesses and discuss his economic agenda. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Gulf | Dec 30, 2023

ALM Special

2023 in review: China pulls a Middle East coup, but can it sustain expectations?

From Saudi Arabia to Egypt, China saw its diplomatic and technology clout significantly grow in the region but still faces limitations in delivering on defense and security arrangements.