Russia's outreach to Syrian Kurds highlights dual-track approach While Russia blames the United States for adding fuel to the fire of Kurdish separatism, it calls on the Syrian Kurds to lay the groundwork for constitutional reform, so as to contain conflict in the territories over which Damascus has long lost control. By Anton Mardasov
US vice presidential candidates debate Iran policy Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Kamala Harris took on Iran issues like the nuclear deal and the killing of Qasem Soleimani. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Iranian rights defender Narges Mohammadi released from prison Mohammadi served more than eight years in prison on a dubious national security conviction. By Al-Monitor Staff
Despite COVID-19, political crisis, Iraqi Shiites march on Karbala Shiites across southern and central Iraq are marching to Karbala for Arbaeen. By Ali Mamouri
Naftali Bennett, propelled by coronavirus crisis, challenges Netanyahu By presenting a level-headed image of a politician with a real anti-coronavirus program, Yamina leader Naftali Bennett is gaining the support of many who are disappointed in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Erdogan dealt strong hand against Putin in Azerbaijan-Armenia war Turkey is taking advantage of Russian dilemmas to claim a role in the Caucasus by backing for Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenia. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
Why Nile Renaissance Dam talks are on hold for now The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam negotiations between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan have been in a state of calm since the last session that was held under the auspices of the African Union and completely failed to reach a binding agreement between all parties. By Hagar Hosny
Execution of 15 rekindles human rights debate in Egypt Cairo has executed another 15 political detainees whose families are accusing the state of torture and refusing to hand over the bodies. By A correspondent in Egypt
Architects find in doors of Old Cairo buildings historic value The doors of buildings attest to the hidden beauty of Cairo throughout the ages, and the extent of human interest in architecture in Egypt. By Hani Sameer
Israeli environmentalists, skippers battle over new marina plan A controversial plan promoted by local municipalities in Israel foresees the construction of six new marinas and the expansion of existing ones. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
The Takeaway: US should keep embassy open in Iraq despite risk, says Ryan Crocker Former ambassador to Iraq says US needs ‘strategic patience’ in support of prime minister; Netanyahu under siege over COVID; Palestinians ready for international conference after US elections, even if Trump wins; Hamas counting on Iran and Sudan. By Andrew Parasiliti In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security
Denmark summons Iranian ambassador over controversial divorce reports Danish media reported that imams are forcing Iranian women in Denmark to accept divorce terms, and Denmark's foreign minister thinks Iran may be involved. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey's Erdogan holds talks with Qatar's ruler The Turkish president also stopped in Kuwait to pay his respects following the death of the former emir. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran parades, tortures ‘thugs’ in show of ‘police power’ In recent days, the Iranian police have been conducting “maneuvers of power” in street parades, humiliating and torturing arrested “thugs” before the public eye. By Al-Monitor Staff
Kuwaiti emir names new crown prince Sheikh Mishaal al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah was previously deputy head of Kuwait's National Guard and is now next in line to become emir. By Al-Monitor Staff
British archaeology falls prey to Turkey's nationalist drive The decision to seize seed collections from the British Institute at Ankara are linked to the Turkish president's wider Islamo-nationalist campaign. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture