Egypt caves to popular pressure, displays controversial French statue After years of tension and popular pressure, Egypt has decided to move the statue of French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps, who was behind digging the Suez Canal, from the Port Said governorate to exhibit it at the headquarters of the Suez Canal International Museum in Ismailia governorate. By Khalid Hassan
Israel, Bahrain establish diplomatic relations at a ceremony in Manama Israel’s Foreign Ministry Director General Alon Ushpiz and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani signed yesterday a joint communique for the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Iraqi militias defy government, expand networks and pressure Militias in Iraq are increasing their activities in response to the government's efforts to rein them in. By Ali Mamouri
Israeli-Arab lawmakers reject normalization deal with Emirates Many Arab-Israelis disagree with the stance taken by the Joint List against the normalization deal with the United Arab Emirates. By Afif Abu Much In Baqa al-Gharbiyye, reporting on business and tech
On Israel with Ben Caspit Israeli official on delegation to Bahrain discusses Gulf diplomacy and next steps
European countries slam Israel over planned settlement expansion The foreign ministries of France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain called for an immediate halt to settlement construction in the West Bank. By Al-Monitor Staff
Middle East’s chronic woes exacerbate COVID impact, IMF says Also: Israelis back Trump, Palestinians (kind of) tilt toward Biden. By Week in Review
Remote learning widens educational gap between Turkey’s rich, poor Millions of students in Turkey have been effectively left out of remote learning by a lack of resources. By Sibel Hurtas
As China-Iran talks continue, Beijing keeps up outreach to Gulf While Iran and China are still working to finalize a 25-year strategic partnership plan, Chinese officials continue to expand bilateral ties with the Gulf, something that could have unexpected implications for Iran-GCC ties. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Iranians tune in as Trump, Biden duel in separate town halls Iranians are paying close attention to the US presidential race, devouring constant media coverage and analysis. By Al-Monitor Staff
Virus may restrict first UAE visit to Israeli airport COVID-19 concerns may keep Emirati diplomats in the airport during their first official visit to Israel, which is experiencing an outbreak. By Al-Monitor Staff
France’s Sarkozy charged in Libya campaign funding probe Prosecutors are investigating whether the former French president received illegal campaign financing from Moammar Gadhafi's regime. By Al-Monitor Staff
US drone strike kills two suspected al-Qaeda officials in Idlib The strike is believed to have killed a former member of Huras al-Din's Shura Council and a security official. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkish boozers resist alcohol restrictions — sometimes at deadly risk An avalanche of taxes has made raki, Turkey’s national drink, a luxury product, fueling the proliferation of bootleg liquor with deadly consequences. By Mustafa Sonmez In Istanbul, reporting on economics
Pompeo hopes Armenia can 'defend' itself from Azerbaijan Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also said that Turkey was increasing the risk of more bloodshed. By Al-Monitor Staff
Intel: Missile launched on Turkey's Black Sea coast after notice of S-400 test Turkey's Defense Ministry has not publicly confirmed if the missile was part of planned tests of the Russian-built air defense system. By Al-Monitor Staff