Turkey banks on military drones to extend power, regional clout The “dronization” of Turkey’s power projection abroad continues with a new unmanned aerial vehicle that Ankara plans to use against PKK militants in Iraq and Syria as well as in brewing regional conflicts. By Metin Gurcan
Egypt, Sudan kick off another round of Nile dam talks A new round of meetings between the Nile Basin countries has resumed as Sudan and Egypt try to unite on controlling damage from the Ethiopian dam. By Ayah Aman In Cairo, reporting on politics and culture
Jordan worries Israel-UAE deal will scuttle two-state solution Jordan has always been a staunch supporter of the two-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative, but that might not mean much anymore after Israel and the UAE agreed to normalize ties under a historic US-brokered deal. By Osama Al Sharif
Netanyahu fears that Biden as president would renew Iran deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains a friendly relationship with US presidential candidate Joe Biden, but fears that if elected, President Biden would return to talks with Iran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Egypt shows interest in Nubian community after years of marginalization The marginalized Nubian community is back at the forefront in Egypt with a boat race festival to preserve Nubian heritage, held for a second time in Aswan governorate. By Mohammad Hanafi
US won't seek death penalty for Islamic State 'Beatles' if UK shares evidence, Barr says The United States will move forward with plans to prosecute El Shafee Elsheikh and Alexanda Kotey if the United Kingdom, their home country, shares key evidence. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Turkish foreign minister visits Venezuela Mevlut Cavusoglu's trip is notable given US sanctions on Venezuela. Turkey previously sent medical aid to the South American country. By Al-Monitor Staff
The Takeaway: Will US presidential election impact Israeli decision on annexation? Five takes on the UAE Deal: Israel as ‘belle of the ball’; a ‘nonsense’ deal; a business windfall; Egypt’s missed opportunities. By Andrew Parasiliti In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security
Democratic National Convention discusses Iran, Israel on day two Former Secretary of State John Kerry touted the Iran deal and pro-Palestine activist Linda Sarsour discussed party unity as Joe Biden officially became the party's presidential nominee. By Al-Monitor Staff
Intel: Iraq to ink oil deal with Chevron, foreign minister says The Iraqi government will sign an agreement with American oil company Chevron, Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said during his visit to Washington on Wednesday. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Outrage at violence unites women across Turkey's ideological divide Turkish women across political and ideological divides are united in anger over news that an abduction and rape victim has died. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iran’s coronavirus death toll hits 20,000 as nation braces for more The mortality figure ticked up to the new milestone just as Iranians prepare for mass religious ceremonies that many fear could further exacerbate the crisis. By Al-Monitor Staff
Intel: Pompeo says US to trigger snapback sanctions on Iran 'soon' The Donald Trump administration will "soon" act on its threat to trigger a return of international sanctions on Iran, Secretary of State Pompeo said Wednesday after the United States lost its bid to indefinitely extend an arms embargo on Tehran. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
What are Biden's Mideast positions? As the former vice president officially becomes the Democratic Party's nominee for president, a look back on his positions shows he differs from Trump on Iran and Saudi Arabia, and he has been asked to answer for his vote on the 2002 Iraq War resolution. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Teachers, rabbis at odds over satirical Israeli TV show Conservative activists are protesting the popular comedy show "The Jews are Coming," though supporters say its irreverence is crucial to Israeli society. By Eetta Prince-Gibson
Israel calls out Hezbollah on tribunal decision Israel’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that the verdict in the Rafic Hariri case clearly shows Hezbollah’s responsibility for the murder. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs