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.
Comment: Hizballah has enjoyed increased leverage in Lebanese and regional politics, but the prospect of a destabilised Lebanon means it must tread very carefully, writes Mona Alami.
Comment: The lack of stability and employment prospects mean that the door to extremism will remain open, even after IS' defeat in the region, writes Mona Alami.
Comment: After its Arsal victory, Hizballah's war against jihadis provides it with a fresh justification for clinging to its military arsenal, writes Mona Alami.
Comment: As Islamic State retreat from Mosul, they will attempt to reshuffle into a more horizontal and decentralised organisation to ensure their survival, writes Mona Alami.
Comment: A series of tweets by HTS commander Atrash called on rebel groups to dissolve and join an opposition interim government, angering many hardliners, writes Mona Alami.
Comment: Syria's economic situation remains in dire straits, but relative 'stability' in regime-held areas has seen Assad turn to Iran for new investment, writes Mona Alami.
Comment: Intensifying the fight against IS in Iraq is just one conflict within a country with countless hotspots that see competing groups clashing violently, writes Mona Alami.
Comment: US airstrikes on a Syrian regime airbase change the dynamics for everyone involved in the conflict. Might Assad's future now be looking a little less certain? asks Mona Alami.
Comment: The toxic gas attack in Khan Sheikhun this week is clear evidence of Assad's impunity, and the international community's disregard for their 'Responsibility to Protect', writes Mona Alami.
