‘An insult to women’ everywhere: Afrin kidnappings prompt calls for investigation of Turkey-backed rebels A video reportedly showing detained women inside a secret prison in Afrin has prompted further criticism of Turkey's proxy forces operating in Syria. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Anti-Saudi blocs in Iraqi parliament want to sue Iraqi political forces said they intend to enact a law to sue Saudi Arabia and have Riyadh compensate for the damage caused by suicide attacks carried out by Saudis in Iraq, which would embarrass the Mustafa al-Kadhimi government that is making a new start in Iraqi-Saudi economic relations. By Omar Sattar
Intel: SDF commander reports progress on Kurdish reconciliation talks in Syria Mazlum Kobani, commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, announced Friday that the first stage of reconciliation talks with rival Kurdish National Council has “gone well” and that “the second phase has begun.” By Al-Monitor Staff
Coronavirus shambles IDF plans for a super digital army Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi’s plan of turning the IDF into the world’s most digital army is currently being foiled by coronavirus-induced budget cuts. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Netanyahu, Gantz criticized over emergency COVID-19 bill Many Israelis feel that a bill extending emergency powers to fight a possible second wave of the novel coronavirus goes much too far. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
'Palestinian Lives Matter,' shout Israeli protesters over killing of Iyad Hallak The killing of autistic Palestinian man Iyad Hallak is arguably a perfect example of brutality by a police force that sees all Arab civilians as suspects. By Afif Abu Much In Baqa al-Gharbiyye, reporting on business and tech
Palestinians draw parallels between disabled man's killing, US police violence against black people When an Israeli soldier shot to death a disabled unarmed Palestinian, it triggered an angry reaction around the world and especially in the United States, which has been dealing with its own police brutality against unarmed black men. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
US commander suggests sending military trainers to Tunisia after Russia sends aircraft to Libya Backed by military contractors, Russia deployed military fighter jets to Al Jufra Airfield in Libya, prompting the US Army to consider sending military training personnel to neighboring Tunisia. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Turkey looks to link Syrian Kurdish militia to ANTIFA following Trump tweet Some foreign veterans of the People's Protection Units (YPG) disagree with the Turkish assertion that ANTIFA and the Kurdish group are connected. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Saudi-led coalition says it downs two Houthi drones A coalition spokesperson said the Houthis launched two drones in the direction of residential areas in Saudi Arabia. By Al-Monitor Staff
US woman convicted of providing material support to Islamic State Alison Marie Sheppard, 35, of Florida purchased 10 mobile phones and arranged to ship them to undercover officers posing as IS supporters. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran officials weigh in on US protests In today's Iran media review, Iranian officials have called out the United States over its response to peaceful protests. By Al-Monitor Staff
With children infected by coronavirus, Israel fears second wave Israelis have returned to an almost normal routine in recent days, only to discover the pandemic is far from over. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Iraq returns to lockdown after surge in coronavirus cases Iraq registered more than 400 COVID-19 cases today, breaking the previously highest number from only a few days ago. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran admits at least 200 protesters killed in November crackdown Iran's interior minister has acknowledged that "sad things happened" during the unrest last year. By Al-Monitor Staff