US floats idea of upgrading Qatar to 'non-NATO ally' A senior State Department official made the suggestion amid a White House push for Arab states to recognize Israel following this year's strategic dialogue with Qatar. By Al-Monitor Staff
Why UAE’s landmark deal with Israel is bad for Turkey Washington's doors are closing to Turkey while those same doors are being opened to Gulf monarchies. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Travelers to Abu Dhabi tracked during mandatory quarantine The news from Etihad Airways comes as daily COVID-19 cases reach another peak in the United Arab Emirates, which has joined Jordan in using wristbands to track people entering the country. By Al-Monitor Staff
US imposes sanctions on Iranian intelligence, Hezbollah-linked targets in Lebanon New US sanctions affect 47 individuals and entities in Iran as well as three targets in Lebanon. By Al-Monitor Staff
Why is Turkey acquiescing to Egypt’s role in Libya? Egyptian mediation in Libya could prove a silver lining for Turkey as its ability to influence the conflict seems to wane, bearing also on its energy ambitions in the eastern Mediterranean. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
Israel’s president apologizes for failure to cope with coronavirus President Reuven Rivlin apologized for the failure of the country's leadership to better cope with the coronavirus and appealed to citizens to follow new lockdown restrictions that are going into effect. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman Van Hollen says Iran is metaphor for failed Trump foreign policies Andrew Parasiliti
Israeli and Emirati diamond exchanges sign 'collaboration agreement' Diamond exchanges in Israel and the UAE plan to open offices in each other's countries following the signing of the Abraham Accords this week. By Al-Monitor Staff
With Angola flight, Emirates airline to reach 15 African destinations by October Since resuming some international flights in May, the Dubai-based carrier has resumed passenger services to more than 85 destinations worldwide. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey begins vaccine trials with foreign drugmakers Turkey's health minister has announced the start of human trials in Turkey with Chinese, US and Russian vaccines and says the end of the crisis is in sight. By Ayla Jean Yackley
Turkey more diplomatically isolated than ever in Arab world Many analysts believe that Ankara’s meddling in the Arab world’s affairs has contributed to pushing some of these regimes toward Israel. By Semih Idiz
Iran dismisses US push for snapback sanctions Iranian officials have rejected the idea that the United States will implement the snapback sanctions that were rejected. By Al-Monitor Staff
Is Israel-Gulf business ready to take off? Agribusiness, retail, housing, and hospitality look like good bets for Israel-Gulf trade. By Karen Young In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy
Egypt’s presidency clashes with religious institutions over verbal divorce Calls for new legislation in Egypt to annul verbal divorce, namely by President Abel Fattah al-Sisi, raise the ire of Al-Azhar and other religious institutions already at odds with the president. By A correspondent in Egypt
Iraqi government steps up fight against corruption The arrest of six senior officials on corruption charges shows that serious steps are taken in the fight against corruption, amid calls that the government speeds up its reform program. By Adnan Abu Zeed
Normalization deals rattle Israeli left The Israeli left and center is not sure how to react to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's diplomatic achievements in the Gulf. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics