Anbar tribes key to security, political backing ahead of Iraq's October vote Following the introduction of a new electoral law and with many of the region’s population still looking more toward their tribes for protection than the central government, Iraq’s Sunni-dominant Anbar province is likely to be highly affected by tribal relations and figures in the October elections. By Shelly Kittleson
Intel: UN to send cease-fire observers to Libya Libya's interim government welcomed the step and echoed calls for foreign forces to leave. By Al-Monitor Staff
Syria to hold presidential election denounced by US Syria's upcoming presidential election is widely seen as foregone conclusion keeping President Bashar al-Assad in office. By Al-Monitor Staff
11 dead in another Egyptian train crash Egypt's rail network suffers from mismanagement and poor maintenance, according to state media outlets. By Al-Monitor Staff
Saudi Arabia, Iran held direct talks in bid to ease tensions Talks between the two countries were organized by Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. By Al-Monitor Staff
Islamic State-linked group executes Egyptian Copts, Sinai tribesmen in video In the gruesome video, the Sinai Province militants warned other Christians against cooperating with the Egyptian military. By Al-Monitor Staff
Is Canadian embargo harbinger of more sanctions for Turkey? The Canadian government’s decision to indefinitely cancel military export permits to Turkey has touched a nerve in the Turkish defense industry and bureaucracy. By Pinar Tremblay
Iranian commander’s death sparks speculation High-ranking Quds Force deputy commander Brig. Gen. Mohammad Hejazi has died. By Al-Monitor Staff
Assyrian Syriac powers looking to unify positions for future of Syria Along the lines of the inter-Kurdish talks, Syria’s Syriacs and Assyrians appear to be joining hands in holding an internal dialogue to unify their vision and national discourse in the country. By Mohammed Hardan
Could Abraham accords work in favor of Israeli left? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intended for the Abraham Accords to serve him politically, but Israeli left may have also gotten a boost. By Yossi Yonah
Egypt, Sudan to build port in border area Egypt and Sudan agreed to set up a joint committee for the development of the port of Wadi Halfa in Sudan, as part of efforts to boost bilateral relations. By Hagar Hosny
Israel protects two rare fish species in Mediterranean Environmental Protection Minister Gila Gamliel published a law amendment to protect the Goldblotch grouper fish and the dusky groupers, but marine life lovers say the measures are not enough to ensure the recovery of these species. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Egypt, Sudan refuse Ethiopian proposal on filling Nile dam reservoir Egypt and Sudan refused Ethiopia's proposal for a partial agreement to form a mechanism to exchange data about the measures to implement the next stage of filling the GERD reservoir. By Ayah Aman In Cairo, reporting on politics and culture
Idlib program offers vocational training for women A local nongovernmental organization in Syria’s northwestern province of Idlib is offering women technical skills to support themselves. By Hussam Hammoud
Hamas welcomes Abbas’ rivals in Gaza Strip As the Palestinian elections near, dismissed Fatah leader Nasser al-Qudwa arrived in the Gaza Strip in a rare visit after obtaining the approval of Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, as President Mahmoud Abbas’ rivals step up their moves to build counterelectoral lists. By Ahmad Abu Amer
Suez Canal receives giant dredger in planned upgrade The Suez Canal Authority is talking about plans to widen the southern section of the canal, only days after the giant Panama-flagged container vessel, Ever Given, went aground and became wedged across the international maritime passageway, causing a weeklong blockage. By A correspondent in Egypt