Netanyahu challenged from the right, not from the left Israel’s political left is doing so badly that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s most serious challenger currently is right-wing politician Naftali Bennett. Israel
Iraq's al-Faw port project's endless delays The al-Faw grand port project has been long delayed due to financial problems, among other issues. Iraq
Outrage as Algerian journalist sentenced to three years in prison Human rights groups around the world are aghast at the harsh sentencing of independent Algerian journalist Khaled Drareni, who has become a freedom of speech icon. Algeria
Is Israel ready for a religious prime minister? Israel never had a religious prime minister, but popular Yamina leader Naftali Bennett is adamant in trying to get hold of the job. Israel
Archive Upfront from Aug 11, 2020 How HTS leader in Syria's Idlib is attempting a makeover The leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Syria’s Idlib has been making appearances in the streets and public places among the people in a bid to present himself as a political leader. Syria
Egypt reaches out to Maghreb countries to resolve Libyan crisis Egypt is working to coordinate with the Maghreb countries in hopes of reaching a consensus on Libya. Egypt
After barrage of explosive balloons, Israel closes crossing point with Gaza Signaling to Hamas it won’t tolerate more incendiary balloons, Israel announced it will close the Kerem Shalom goods crossing for an undetermined period, allowing only the entry of fuel, food and humanitarian supplies. Israel
As annexation stalls, Netanyahu revives plan to expand West Bank settlements Israel is reviving the E1 plan to build thousands of settlements in East Jerusalem, which would cut off the city from the rest of the West Bank and undermine any prospect for the creation of a contiguous Palestinian state. Palestine
First COVID-19 case among residents reported in Syrian IS camp Three health workers in the notorious al-Hol camp also tested positive for the coronavirus last week. Syria
Iran suspends newspaper after critical coronavirus coverage The newspaper had just published an interview that accused the government of covering up the scale of Iran's coronavirus outbreak. Iran
Iran says it will not pay to replace Ukraine jet shot down near Tehran in January No agreement has yet been reached on compensation for victims' families, but Iran says it won't pay for the aircraft itself. Iran
Yemen’s rebels say UNESCO sites in Sanaa collapse amid heavy rains The old city of Sanaa is home to more than 100 mosques and over 6,000 houses built before the 11th century. Originals
Greece calls on Turkey to stop renewed gas exploration activities in East Med As Turkish vessels are dispatched near Greek territorial waters, analysts say tensions in the eastern Mediterranean Sea could quickly escalate if leaders on both sides do not reengage in diplomatic talks. Turkey
International donors pledge nearly $300M in Beirut relief The virtual conference on Sunday was co-hosted by France and the United Nations. Lebanon
Gulf states ask UN to extend arms embargo on Iran The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) sent a letter to the UN Security Council amid US efforts to extend the weapons ban. Iran
Rouhani says Iranians must change lifestyles due to coronavirus President Hassan Rouhani urged Iranians to take the coronavirus pandemic seriously and think of it as a long-term issue. Iran
