Trump's national security adviser says ending Gulf rift 'priority' Qatar has been under a land, sea and air blockade by four regional states since 2017. By Al-Monitor Staff
Poverty spikes in Iran as prices for essential goods rise Inflation in Iran continues unabated, forcing further economic pressure and poverty on low-income households. By Navid Kalhor
Israelis try resettling West Bank settlement evacuated in 2005 Families evacuated from the West Bank Sa-Nur settlement in 2005 sneaked back during the night and vowed to resettle the site. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Egypt cracks down on blasphemy in wave of arrests The recent arrests of both Christians and Muslims accused of insulting Islam have renewed calls from rights groups to end prosecution for blasphemy in Egypt. By A correspondent in Egypt
With Trump on way out, Netanyahu nails together settlement legacy With US President-elect Joe Biden preparing to take office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is rushing to set his settlement achievements in stone. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Gulf oil exporters look past Biden’s green energy platform The possible return of Iranian crude to global markets is a short-term concern for Gulf oil producers, which expect to be the last man standing in a decarbonizing world. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Netanyahu goes for broke in Trump's last two months Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is still hoping to squeeze last-minute favors from outgoing US President Donald Trump at the expense of his relationship with the incoming administration. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Opposition factions in Idlib prepare for imminent Syrian government offensive After Turkey withdrew from observation posts within regime-controlled areas, Syria and Russia stepped up their attacks in Idlib, raising fears of an imminent battle. By Sultan al-Kanj
On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman ‘Creative diplomacy’ very much an option for US and Iran under Biden Administration
Russia to establish naval base in Sudan The combat capability of the Russian navy in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean would be significantly increased with a military base on Sudan’s Red Sea coast. By Kirill Semenov
UAE narrows search for next Emirati astronauts The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center will select two applicants from a shortlist of 61 potential astronauts. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israeli protesters swarm EU diplomats in East Jerusalem The European delegation came to speak out against a new Israeli housing project in the disputed area. By Al-Monitor Staff
Erdogan's call for two-state solution in Cyprus dims hopes for Turkish 'reset' with West Speaking during a visit to Northern Cyprus, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey would continue drilling in contested waters around Cyprus and the Greek islands “until a fair settlement” was reached. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Former Iranian PM Mousavi, under house arrest, tests positive for COVID-19 Former Prime Minister and opposition figure Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife have remained under house arrest since 2011. By Al-Monitor Staff
Bahrain FM to visit Israel on Wednesday, meet with Netanyahu, Pompeo Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani will visit Israel on Wednesday for a trilateral meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Etihad to start daily Tel Aviv flights in 2021 Air travel is a major part of the newly established relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. By Al-Monitor Staff