Iran cancels Quds Day for second year in a row The pro-Palestine solidarity event was again canceled as coronavirus cases continue to rise in Iran. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey’s tourism sector fears another disastrous year Apprehension is growing in Turkey that its tourism sector, a vital hard-currency earner, might fail to recuperate in 2021 amid a new peak in the coronavirus pandemic. By Mustafa Sonmez In Istanbul, reporting on economics
Egypt, Qatar rapprochement picks up momentum Months after a reconciliation agreement was signed, relations between Egypt and Qatar remain shy amid small steps at rapprochement. By Mohammed Magdy In Berlin, reporting on Egyptian politics
Anti-Netanyahu bloc gets second chance The vote over the Knesset’s Arrangement Committee has offered the so-called Bloc for Change a second shot at assembling the next government. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Desperate Netanyahu could fail to compose government Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of April 2021 is a wounded animal, whose attention is focused on one goal only: saving himself. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Palestinian women still underrepresented on electoral lists Although the Palestinian electoral law has been amended to raise the quota for women's participation in the Palestinian elections from 20% to 26%, Palestinian women continue to be unfairly represented on electoral lists. By Aziza Nofal
Why train accidents are so frequent in Egypt Despite government efforts to develop the Egyptian railway network, train accidents have become recurrent. By Mostafa Al-Grtly
Will Syrian women get wider representation in opposition? The Syrian opposition is working to empower women and increase their participation at the political level, amid low female representation in official institutions. By Khaled al-Khateb
Idlib residents resort to virtual coins to make ends meet Residents of the city of Idlib in northwestern Syria have resorted to digital currency to make some money by using only a cellphone connected to the internet. By Mohammed Hardan
Abbas faces tough decision on Palestinian elections The pressure is intensifying for President Mahmoud Abbas to postpone the elections, which are becoming a dangerous game for the Israelis and other concerned parties. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Israel lifts outdoor mask requirement, acquires more vaccine doses A majority of Israelis have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. By Al-Monitor Staff
Erdogan is MENA’s most popular leader, Arab Barometer finds Turkey's promotion of cultural heritage, including through its tourism and entertainment sectors, is one reason for Erdogan's popularity. However, the perception of the Ottoman legacy is gradually shifting from one of praise to one of condemnation toward Turkish policies. By Al-Monitor Staff
Bahrain's Gulf Air to offer direct Israel flights starting in June The announcement comes less than a year after the two countries agreed to establish formal ties as part of the Abraham Accords. By Al-Monitor Staff
On Israel with Ben Caspit Former IDF colonel Udi Evental warns: Confronting US on Iran has price tag Ben Caspit
Turkey nearly leading the world in daily COVID-19 cases Turkish authorities also expanded vaccine eligibility today. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey’s ruling Islamists dogged by mounting corruption claims Allegations of government corruption are adding to public anger as the economy continues to decline. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture