Family of American held in Syria pins hopes on Biden This month marks four years since psychotherapist Majd Kamalmaz disappeared in Syria. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Iran holds military drill in southwest Khuzestan province has a presence of Arab separatist groups and is strategically located near Iraq and the Persian Gulf. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey rejects US call to free jailed philanthropist Osman Kavala Turkey on Thursday rejected a call by the United States to release jailed civil society leader and human rights activist Osman Kavala. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Italy top foreign investor in Turkey in 2020 Italy supports Turkey on several issues while other European states, especially France, have notable disagreements with Turkey. By Al-Monitor Staff
In letter to Putin, Khamenei says Iran 'will not wait' Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a personal note about the nuclear deal and strengthening ties. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israel’s Ashkenazi on diplomatic blitz against ICC ruling Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi is busy calling counterparts worldwide, to convince them to object the ICC ruling on judging Israel for alleged war crimes. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Syrian opposition regroups as another round of talks crashes The Syrian opposition is mulling its next moves after the faltering of yet another round of talks of the Syrian Constitutional Committee. By Sultan al-Kanj
Inside Alexandria's bunker-turned-art space In the basement of an old building in Alexandria lies an art space that once served as a bomb shelter. By Hani Sameer
Egypt, Bahrain adopt 'wait and see' approach to reconciliation with Qatar Egypt awaits Qatar to take actions on the ground in accordance with Al-Ula Declaration that ended the boycott of Doha, but amid concerns that Qatar will bail out on its commitments. By A correspondent in Egypt
Jobless Syrians have little use for government’s new construction training program Syrians are reluctant to apply to the technical training centers the regime plans to establish because of the shockingly low stipends provided. By Akhin Ahmed
Gazans outraged over million-dollar mosque reconstruction The reconstruction of a mosque at a cost of $1 million in the cash-strapped Gaza Strip has shocked Gaza's largely impoverished population. By Rasha Abou Jalal In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Joint List splits as elections near Ra'am has left the Joint List, saying it can't do the work needed to effect decision-making in Israel while tied to lawmakers who refuse to engage in the political process. By Afif Abu Much In Baqa al-Gharbiyye, reporting on business and tech
The Takeaway: If the phone doesn’t ring: Biden, Bibi still haven’t talked Iran and March 23 elections are top of mind for Israeli prime minister; can the US and Iran find common ground in Yemen?; Egypt’s diplomatic surge hopes to catch Biden’s eye; why did Rouhani mention UNSCR 598? By Andrew Parasiliti In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security
US stands firm as Turkey proposes to ‘find solution’ over S-400 The State Department urged ally Ankara to get rid of the Russian air defense system By Al-Monitor Staff
Oman closes land border, parks and beaches as vaccine rollout continues The sultanate's anti-virus committee announced several new restrictions on travel and gatherings on Wednesday. By Al-Monitor Staff
57 nations hit for failure to repatriate women, children from Syrian camps UN human rights experts are pressing Great Britain, France, Iran, Russia, Turkey, the United States and 51 other countries to repatriate nearly 10,000 of their citizens associated with the Islamic State. By Al-Monitor Staff