Islamic State 'Beatles' charged with hostage-taking of Americans The charges against El Shafee Elsheikh and Alexanda Kotey include hostage-taking resulting in death and conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
India works to boost influence in Iran as Beijing-Tehran ties warm India is seeking to remain involved in the development projects at Iran's ports, especially since Chabahar Port helps India gain access to an important geopolitical region. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Intel: Oman ambassador returns to Syria With much of Syria now under Syrian President Basher al-Assad's control, some Arab states are slowly considering the reopening of foreign missions in Damascus. By Joe Snell
Iran protests spillover shelling from Armenia-Azerbaijan war Shells and rockets from the conflict from Nagorno-Karabakh region have reportedly landed in northwestern Iran, which does not back either side. By Al-Monitor Staff
Libyan Central Bank warns of financial collapse if oil production not restored Libya has lost $180 billion in oil revenues since 2013, according to the Tripoli-based central bank. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israeli police, ultra-Orthodox clash over coronavirus restrictions Clashes between the ultra-Orthodox and police have intensified over lockdown orders that, among other things, call for the avoidance of public prayers. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Turkey eyes economic gains in backing Azerbaijan against Armenia Turkey and Azerbaijan often describe their relationship as “one nation, two states,” but their economic exchanges have remained relatively small despite their close political and ethnic bonds. By Mustafa Sonmez In Istanbul, reporting on economics
On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman Closing US embassy in Baghdad would be ‘incredibly irresponsible,’ says former US ambassador to Iraq
Egypt discovers ancient coffins in major archaeological find Egypt unveils a major archaeological discovery in the Saqqara necropolis, with 59 coffins dating back more than 2,500 years. By Doaa Fareed
Corruption continues to threaten Iraq’s stability Despite the prime minister's efforts, corruption remains a big driver of Iraq’s instability. By Azhar Al-Ruabie
Ex-Shin Bet analysts recruited to fight coronavirus within Israeli-Arab society It is difficult to understand why the Israeli authorities are recruiting ex-Shin Bet analysts to participate in an information campaign planned to combat the coronavirus in the Israeli-Arab community. By Afif Abu Much In Baqa al-Gharbiyye, reporting on business and tech
Al-Azhar coordinates with army to fight drugs in South Sinai South Sinai is marred by the growing phenomenon of drug cultivation and traffic, and while the Egyptian police and army are launching intense security campaigns to remove and burn hundreds of drug farms, the state has turned to Al-Azhar to organize advocacy convoys to South Sinai to persuade the people that Islam prohibits the cultivation, trade and use of drugs. By George Mikhail
Car bombing kills more than a dozen in Syria's al-Bab The town controlled by Turkish-backed Syrian rebel forces continues to experience violence. By Al-Monitor Staff
Assad accuses Turkey of instigating Nagorno-Karabakh conflict The hostilities have killed hundreds of people since late September. By Al-Monitor Staff
Intel: Turkey to test Russian S-400 air defense system amid tensions in NATO NATO's secretary-general urged Turkey on Monday to seek alternatives to the Russian system, but Turkey plans to test-fire the S-400 this month. By Al-Monitor Staff
Reporter's arrest, abrupt release chills journalists in Egypt A journalist who had gone to Luxor to cover the recent unrest there was arrested on charges that included the spreading of fake news and belonging to a terrorist group. By Shahira Amin