Egyptian women’s access to judiciary still limited The Egyptian State Council approved the appointment of women as members to the council and the Public Prosecution office, in tandem with the launch of a social media campaign against a personal status draft law that activists say denies women’s rights to take control of their own decisions. By Hagar Hosny
Will Egypt heed Sudan’s call to hand over fugitives linked to Bashir’s regime? During a visit to Cairo, Sudan's prime minister asked Egyptian officials to extradite exiled Sudanese officials who worked with the Omar al-Bashir regime. Sudanese. By Mohamed Saied
Importance of Egypt’s discovery of archaeological monastic buildings in Bahariya Oasis Egypt announced a new archaeological discovery in the Bahariya Oasis with archaeological buildings dating back to the fifth and seventh centuries, where monks settled down. By Hagar Hosny
Israel to deploy drones on election day to facilitate voting by COVID-19 patients The Central Elections Committee is putting in place several special measures, including drones, to ensure safe voting process for all Israelis, including those infected with the coronavirus. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Israeli-Arab mothers lead protest against crime, violence A group of bereaved Israeli-Arab mothers has decided to combat the worrisome phenomenon of increasing crime, violence and police inefficiency. By Afif Abu Much In Baqa al-Gharbiyye, reporting on business and tech
Republican congressman introduces Iran human rights bill for Persian new year The bill introduced by Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina would require investigations into alleged Iranian state human rights abuses. By Al-Monitor Staff
Russian foreign minister’s visit aimed at challenging US influence in Gulf Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recent visit to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar came amid uncertainty among these states about their future relations with the new US administration. By Kirill Semenov
Erdogan makes urgent appeal to West on grim 10-year mark of Syria’s war Ankara desperately needs options to get out of the Syria quagmire, but the Turkish president's offer is likely to fall flat with the Biden administration. By Week in Review
Damascus hospitals' intensive care units full with coronavirus patients The United Nations recently said there are more COVID-19 cases in Syria than the government has reported. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iraq's PM calls for national dialogue Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi is calling for a comprehensive national dialogue among all of the country’s forces ahead of the election, seizing the opportunity after Pope Francis’ visit to Iraq. By Adnan Abu Zeed
Is Europe on the way to appease Erdogan yet again? The forthcoming Turkey-European Union summit could spell a diplomatic success for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, bolstering his hand in domestic politics. By Cengiz Candar
Dubai unveils COVID-19 restrictions for Ramadan Authorities in the emirate have urged residents to avoid holding large gatherings typical during the Muslim holy month. By Al-Monitor Staff