Egyptian FM kicks off regional tour to boost support in Ethiopia row Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry's seven-country tour comes amid escalating tensions between Cairo and Addis Ababa over construction of the Renaissance Dam. By Al-Monitor Staff
Former Turkish minister establishes party to challenge Erdogan Ali Babacan, who served as foreign minister and economy czar under Turkey’s powerful leader, has formally applied to set up a new political party, hoping his promise for greater economic and civil liberties will appeal to voters weary of Turkey’s "politics of fear." By Ayla Jean Yackley
Iran releases 70,000 prisoners due to coronavirus, judiciary chief says The total number of persons infected with coronavirus in Iran has risen to 7,161 as officials scramble to respond to the spread of the virus. By Al-Monitor Staff
Does Israel's Gantz stand a chance at establishing a government? The chances of Blue and White leader Benny Gantz establishing a minority government with Avigdor Liberman and the support of the Arab Joint List are not high, yet the risks he is taking are huge. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Israel faces political earthquake with potential Gantz-Liberman alliance Blue and White's Benny Gantz seeks a coalition with Yisrael Beitenu's Avigdor Liberman to lead Israel "onto a new path and toward a new future." By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
How will Russia, China support Iran's military after UN arms ban ends? Moscow and Beijing could strike weapons deals with Tehran after the UN arms embargo expires later this year, but their anticipated support will face hurdles. By Anton Mardasov
Is Israel's 'Sovereignty Road' project step toward annexation? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s interim government is busily advancing various annexation moves with the excuse of addressing the settlers’ living conditions. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
How did opposition fighters in Daraa’s Sanamayn go separate ways? Twenty-one opposition fighters from the city of Sanamayn have arrived in opposition areas in the Aleppo countryside in line with an agreement concluded between the Assad regime and the opposition under Russian sponsorship. By Khaled al-Khateb
Iranian officials call for quarantine as coronavirus spreads Some Iranian officials are calling for more restrictive measures as the novel coronavirus continues to spread across the country. By Al-Monitor Staff
Jordanian artist taps absurd for 'Camel in the Room' With iconic imagery such as camels and locks, artist Raed Ibrahim explores the complexities of Middle Eastern identity, memory and the Israeli-Palestinian issue. By Jacob Wirtschafter
Does Jewish-Arab partnership to form government stand a chance in Israel? The Likud is continuing its campaign of incitement against Arab party representatives to head off their helping form a minority government led by Blue and White. By Ksenia Svetlova
Civil war rivals vie for Yemen's strategic Socotra island Despite stepping back from its military role in Yemen, UAE influence remains strong in the country's south, especially on Socotra island. By A correspondent in Yemen
How an Iranian director defied ‘repression’ and won Golden Bear The Golden Bear-winning Iranian movie “There Is No Evil” revolves around the power to say no, the very same concept that has characterized the filmmaker’s overall mission. By Al-Monitor Staff
Why women in the Middle East find little to celebrate on March 8 From Beirut to Khartoum, women in the Middle East held demonstrations calling for the elimination of discriminatory laws and improvement of their situation. By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir, reporting on culture
How Turkey's soldiers and spies saved the day in Syria Turkey’s diplomatic position in Syria remains untenable, but its armed forces and spy agency did a pretty good job last week. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Can Sochi 2.0 save the day in Idlib? The fragile cease-fire that took effect in Syria's rebel-held province of Idlib on March 6 under a fresh deal between Turkey and Russia might prove short-lived amid a series of uncertainties on key points of contention. By Metin Gurcan