Syrian torture victims file complaint in Germany over prison sex abuse The criminal complaint accuses nine high-ranking Syrian officials of various sexual and gender-based crimes. By Al-Monitor Staff
Intel: Bolton says Trump sought to drop charges against Turkish bank at Erdogan’s behest President Donald Trump allegedly sought to convince the Justice Department to drop charges against Turkey’s Halkbank at the request of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, The Wall Street Journal reported in an overview of former national security adviser John Bolton’s tell-all book. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Under pressure, pro-Kurdish party holds democracy rally in Istanbul Despite a ban on protests, the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party held a demonstration in Istanbul Thursday following removal of two deputies from Turkey’s parliament. By Diego Cupolo
Rockets hit Baghdad's Green Zone again A series of such attacks is happening as the United States and Iraq discuss the future of the US military presence in the country. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Intel: Russian-built aircraft actively using Libya’s Jufra air base Russian fighter aircraft recently delivered to Libya in support of Khalifa Hifter's campaign against the Tripoli-based government are now being put to use. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
NATO to investigate France-Turkey standoff in the Mediterranean NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the bloc will probe France's accusations that Turkey harassed one of its ships in the Mediterranean. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran says 10 provinces have reached peak coronavirus numbers Iran says coronavirus deaths in the country will continue until there is a vaccine. By Al-Monitor Staff
Jordanian foreign minister makes unannounced visit to West Bank for Abbas meeting Ahead of Israel's proposed annexation of parts of the West Bank, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi flew to Ramallah to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. By Al-Monitor Staff
Emirates resumes flights to Istanbul and Beirut The Dubai-based airline has been adding destinations since resuming passenger flights in late May. By Al-Monitor Staff
EU ratifies aviation agreement with Israel despite annexation strain The European Parliament has ratified the landmark Open Skies agreement with Israel, but warns that there could still be sanctions if annexation goes forward. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Turkey gets comfortable in northern Syria Turkey appears to be preparing to remain in Syrian areas under its control without much thought for the long-term financial and political costs. By Semih Idiz
Egypt’s top fatwa authority raises controversy after describing Ottoman control of Constantinople as 'occupation' Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta described the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople as an invasion, raising controversy in Turkey and among critics who believe religious authorities should not get involved in politics. By Menna A. Farouk
Death of activist Sarah Hegazy highlights struggle of Egypt's gay community The death of activist Sarah Hegazy has renewed the debate over gay rights in Egypt amid an ongoing crackdown against the LGBTQI+ community. By Emma van der Zalm
Tunisia’s removal from EU financial blacklist should help boost economy Three years after being designated as a high-risk country with strategic anti-money laundering and counterterrorist financing deficiencies, Tunisia is officially off the list and getting ready for foreign investments. By Mohamed Ali Ltifi
Netanyahu's popularity undamaged by accusations against his wife Over the years, and again this week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been blaming the media for going after his wife in order to hurt him. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Chief rabbi of Iran: Israel does not represent Judaism In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Rabbi Yehuda Garami, chief rabbi of the Jewish community in Iran, explains about their daily lives and why he paid a condolence visit to the family of assassinated Gen. Qasem Soleimani. By Mordechai Goldman