Is Turkey on course of foreign policy shift with pan-Turkist flavor? Ankara appears to be mulling a US-friendly foreign policy revision to counter Iran and Russia in the Caucasus and Black Sea regions, but such a shift will not be without geopolitical risks elsewhere. Turkey
On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman Al-Monitor correspondents Hagedorn, Lucente and Szuba on what to expect from Biden Administration in the Mideast
Iran’s Zarif says he won’t run for president Iran’s foreign minister ruled out any possibility about his nomination in the country’s next presidential election, a race that hard-liners are already attempting to make entirely one-sided. Iran
KRG asks US forces to deploy along Kurdish-controlled part of Iraqi-Syrian border In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s deputy chief of staff outlined why the Kurdish region's government wants US forces stationed in and around the Fish Khabur border crossing. Iraq
Kushner, Israeli delegation arrive in Morocco on first direct flight Israeli and Moroccan officials are expected to sign the first of several accords cementing relations between the two countries. Israel
Somalian opposition irked by Turkish support ahead of presidential elections Turkey’s support to Somalia, a focal point of Ankara’s Africa outreach, has become increasingly controversial as the Somalian opposition fears that the president could use it to rig the upcoming elections. Turkey
Russian, Palestinian leaders discuss Israel-Palestinian peace process Russia has voiced willingness to mediate between Israel and Palestine in its capacity as a member of the Middle East Quartet. Palestine
Egypt backs Sudan against Ethiopia amid Nile dam impasse Egypt reiterated its support for Sudan following an attack by Ethiopian forces on Sudanese military troops near the border, at a time of deadlock between the three countries over the controversial dam Addis Ababa is building on the Blue Nile. Egypt
Roman baths discovered during city works in Jordanian capital The haphazard discovery of Roman ruins in Amman sparked questions about the fate of antiquities in the city’s downtown area amid calls for expanding the excavations. Jordan
Netanyahu’s survival plan: visiting Morocco and COVID-19 vaccination drive Ahead of possible fourth elections: The political assault of Likud-rebel Gideon Saar and his success in the polls have taken Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by surprise. Israel
Iraqi government arrests suspects after rockets aimed at US Embassy As the one-year anniversary of the killing of Iranian general Qasem Solaimani approaches, several rockets have again been shot at the US Embassy in Baghdad; suspects have been arrested. Iraq
Egypt offers fertile environment for fintech industry As Egyptians do more online, the government is seeking to harness the fintech industry for solutions to the challenges in the Egyptian economy. Egypt
UAE steps up medical aid to Gaza The UAE and Qatar are neck and neck in the Gaza Strip, with both parties pumping money and aid into the besieged enclave that is struggling under tough economic, humanitarian and health conditions made worse by the coronavirus. Palestine
Video of fox hunt disturbs Egyptian animal lovers When an Egyptian TV show sent its host out on a fox hunt, the graphic footage spurred viewers to action. Egypt
Woman sets self on fire after city demolishes shelter, Iranians outraged The demolition of a single mother’s shanty at the hands of Iranian authorities and her despairing self-immolation have recharged an uproar over the Islamic Republic failing the needy citizens it once promised to raise from poverty. Iran
Netanyahu sets new climate, renewable energy targets for Israel Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sets new, high targets for Israel on battling climate change; but can Israel really achieve these targets? Israel