Turkey blasts Greece, Cyprus, Egypt for 'baseless' Mediterranean accusations The three countries accused Turkey of threatening regional stability with its renewed exploratory mission in the contested waters. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkish lira hits new record low as central bank holds rates The currency tumbled after policy-makers disappointed expectations they would raise the benchmark rate, while geopolitics and the possibility of new coronavirus measures hitting the economy also weigh on the embattled lira. By Ayla Jean Yackley
US government says Iran behind emails threatening Democratic voters in Florida The emails purportedly sent by the pro-Trump Proud Boys group were actually an Iranian operation, according to US intelligence, though Iran has denied the allegation. By Al-Monitor Staff
Lebanon’s Hariri again tapped as prime minister Lebanese President Michel Aoun has tasked veteran politician and former Prime Minister Saad Hariri to form a new government. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey’s withdrawal in Idlib may be omen of war Turkey’s decision to evacuate military posts in regime-held areas in Idlib is hardly reassuring when considered against the backdrop of its continued military buildup elsewhere in the region. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
43 Iranian cities, including Tehran, under ‘severe restrictions’ because of COVID-19 With rising coronavirus case numbers, Iran is set to implement new restrictions in Tehran and other cities until Nov. 21. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israeli delegation visits Sudan in sign of possible normalization A top Israeli delegation's visit to Sudan could mean that the rapprochement process is moving quickly and the establishment of diplomatic ties is imminent. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Israel-Turkey inch closer in trade, culture While Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to slam Israel, commercial and cultural ties show signs of growth. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Why women in Egypt continue to face violence The killing of a young woman during a robbery in the streets of Cairo has raised the ire of activists, who continue to call for legislation to protect women against violence. By Albaraa Abdullah
Eritrea shifts course on Egypt-Ethiopia dispute over Nile dam The visit of the Eritrean president to the site of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam shows a change of position in Eritrea, which had always backed Egypt in the Nile dam issue. By Ayah Aman In Cairo, reporting on politics and culture
Can Russia benefit from Turkey-Greece spat? In light of the conflict in the eastern Mediterranean between Turkey and Greece, Russia may be looking to strengthen its ties with Greece in order to further its interests in the region. By Anton Mardasov
No more UN embargo on Iran, but no arms sales either Anyone who might seek to sell arms to Iran is likely in a holding pattern to see what happens in the US election and to see what Iran, in dire economic straits, can afford. By Mark Fitzpatrick
US won’t change Syria policy to free missing Americans, Pompeo says Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was asked if the Trump administration would consider meeting the Syrian regime's terms, which reportedly include withdrawing all American forces from the country. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Hundreds of European Union lawmakers demand Egypt’s Sisi release political prisoners The letter follows a similar one addressed to Sisi by 56 members of the US Congress on Monday. By Al-Monitor Staff
Trial in Turkey over death of prominent Kurdish lawyer postponed Court proceedings over the 2015 killing of human rights lawyer Tahir Elci were postponed Oct. 21 until March 2021 after defense attorneys requested the recusal of the trial’s judge panel. By Diego Cupolo
The Takeaway: Would US-Turkey ties get better or worse if Biden wins? Trump may be Erdogan’s best friend in Washington; Four takes on Iraq, including the increased violence by Iran-linked militias; and Israeli official talks normalization with Ben Caspit By Andrew Parasiliti In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security