Iran, US spar over nuclear deal return Iran and the United States are clashing over which country will return to its commitments under the nuclear deal first. By Al-Monitor Staff
Syrians in Kurdish-administered regions struggle with price of bread Should Syria’s economy and currency continue to deteriorate, it is likely that the cost of wheat will also rise, further straining the Kurdish-led autonomous administration in its efforts to maintain bread subsidies and keep basic goods affordable in northeast Syria. By William Christou
Lawmaker's proposal to place street children in camps stirs controversy A proposal from a member of parliament to detain street children in training camps has caused alarm among rights advocates, highlighting a negative perception toward the vulnerable minors — an outlook that has been reinforced by their portrayal in the media as thugs and criminals. By Shahira Amin
Netanyahu pleads not guilty in corruption trial Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate corruption cases. By Al-Monitor Staff
France, not US, offers to involve Israel in talks with Iran Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not react publicly to the statement by French President Emmanuel Macron over the need to involve Israel and Saudi Arabia in talks with Iran. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
King’s call to revisit political reforms triggers cautious optimism in Jordan In an interview, King Abdullah focused on the need to launch political and administrative reforms that include reviewing laws that govern elections and political parties, in a move that coincides with the start of the Biden administration. By Osama Al Sharif
Despite coronavirus, Suez Canal records high revenues Despite the negative repercussions of the outbreak of the coronavirus on global trade, the Suez Canal took in $5.61 billion in 2020, its third-highest total ever. By Mohammad Hanafi
Egyptian-Turkish trade agreement comes under fire A member of the Egyptian parliament called for the need to reconsider the free trade agreement between Egypt and Turkey signed 15 years ago, claiming that it harms Egyptian interests and favors Turkish exporters. By Hagar Hosny
Egypt concerned UAE-Israeli pipeline project will affect Suez Canal Egyptian officials have been expressing concern over the anticipated competition from the Eilat-Ashkelon pipeline project that would transport Emirati oil to Ashkelon in Israel and from there to European markets. By Khalid Hassan
Syrian government, SDF trade accusations of violations of Russian-mediated cease-fire No sooner had an agreement been reached between the Syrian regime and US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces to lift the mutual sieges imposed in northeast Syria that accusations were traded about violations of the Russian-sponsored deal. By Khaled al-Khateb
Netanyahu accuses ICC of anti-Semitism Israel's prime minister lashed out at the International Criminal Court after it ruled that its jurisdiction includes the West Bank and Gaza Strip, pointing out that the court was created in part to protect the Jewish people. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Netanyahu recycles promises to combat soaring crime in Arab towns Ahead of the March elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is repeating promises he made nine years ago to control crime rates in Arab towns and villages. By Afif Abu Much In Baqa al-Gharbiyye, reporting on business and tech
Nigeria deepens security ties with Egypt to battle Boko Haram Some observers allege Turkey may be supporting extremist groups in Nigeria. By George Mikhail
Alarming low vaccination rates among Israeli ultra-Orthodox, Bedouins Washed with fake news and conspiracy theories, anti-corona vaccination rates among the Bedouins and ultra-Orthodox are much lower than in the Jewish sector. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
On Israel with Ben Caspit Reform Judaism leader Gilad Kariv: State must rethink relations with ultra-Orthodox Ben Caspit
Syrian Kurds hoping for lifeline from Biden administration Damascus, Ankara and Moscow turn up the heat on US-backed group; UN Syria envoy says, "We can’t continue like this." By Week in Review