Yemen’s rival sides begin largest-yet prisoner swap The Houthi rebels and the Aden-based government agreed last month to exchange 1,081 prisoners. By Al-Monitor Staff
Why is Turkey absent from table despite being in field? Turkey’s policy to use muscle to gain diplomatic clout has been marred by a series of miscalculations, failing to produce the desired results in the conflicts in Libya and the Caucasus. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
Iran official: Coronavirus deaths could double if guidelines not followed Iranian officials are warning that the 30,000 deaths reported could be much higher. By Al-Monitor Staff
'Cleopatra' casting of Israeli actress draws backlash in Egypt Many Egyptians are dismayed over Israeli actress Gal Gadot's casting in a new biographical drama depicting Cleopatra's life. By Shahira Amin
Rights group says Putin may bear 'command responsibility' for war crimes in Syria Human Rights Watch has named 10 senior Syrian and Russian officials who knew or should have known about the "unlawful attacks" taking place in Idlib. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Submarine scandal keeps haunting Netanyahu Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not indicted in the submarine affair, but many Israelis are demanding that the case be further investigated. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Iran breaks daily record for COVID-19 deaths three times in a week The coronavirus continues to spread in Iran despite lockdowns as sanctions and a poor economy add to the country's pain. By Al-Monitor Staff
The Takeaway: Do Arab Gulf states favor Trump or Biden in US election? Some leaders may prefer Trump, mostly because of Iran, but they aren’t saying; Plus: five must-read takes on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict; Egypt wants Nerfertiti bust back; Nile cruises return. By Andrew Parasiliti In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security
Yemen's Houthi rebels release two US citizens in prisoner swap Officials from Saudi Arabia and Oman helped negotiate the release By Al-Monitor Staff
Hezbollah rejects Lebanese delegation at maritime border talks with Israel Lebanon's two main Shiite parties said the negotiating team in the border talks shouldn't include civilians. By Al-Monitor Staff
Religion and policy collide in Saudi-hosted interfaith forum The G-20 interfaith forum will be virtually hosted by Riyadh this year, while the kingdom faces mounting criticism for human rights violations and religious persecution. By Joe Snell
Biden campaign criticizes both Azerbaijan and Armenia in statement on war The US presidential contender also slammed Turkey's role in official remarks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Will Russia recruit Syrian Kurds to fight in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict? While Russia will likely avoid direct involvement in the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, there are signs it could draw lessons from Libya and recruit fighters from Syria to do its bidding. By Kirill Semenov
Turkey resumes energy research in disputed waters A Turkish seismic research vessel has resumed energy prospecting activities in disputed eastern Mediterranean waters, sparking renewed tensions with Greek and EU leaders, who called on Ankara to end its "provocations." By Diego Cupolo
Pompeo calls on Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also raised human rights concerns during a meeting with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan. By Al-Monitor Staff
Rouhani celebrates end of Iran arms embargo In an open message of defiance against US pressure, Iran said it could resume arms purchases as early as Oct. 18 when a decadelong UN embargo effectively expires. By Al-Monitor Staff