Egypt announces discovery of major archaeological city in Luxor Egypt announced the discovery of an ancient city in Luxor in southern Egypt dating back 3,000 years. It is believed to be the second-most important archaeological discovery since Tutankhamun’s tomb. Egypt
Israel’s Gantz battles to preserve ties with Jordan Defense Minister Benny Gantz labors to repair damages caused by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Israel-Jordan relations. Israel
Cairo backs Riyadh's Green Middle East initiative Egypt has welcomed Saudi Arabia’s Green Middle East initiative to restore green spaces and fight climate change. Egypt
Despite Austin’s visit, Israel not reassured on Iran Israel welcomes US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on a first official visit to Israel, though it is not at all sure whether the visit would calm down Israeli concerns over a US deal with Iran. Israel
Syrian organizations work to remove war remnants in northwest Syria Syria has been labeled one of the worst countries in the world in terms of the number of mines planted since the war broke out in 2011, with more than 12,000 killed in mine and explosive accidents. Syria
Is al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria’s Idlib on its way to demise? Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which controls Syria’s northwestern province of Idlib, is close to ending the presence of al-Qaeda affiliate Hurras al-Din, after arresting one of its top active commanders and closing its military facilities in the area. Syria
Islamic State maintains foothold in Syrian desert The Islamic State continues to cause trouble for the regime forces in large desert areas of central and eastern Syria. Syria
Ancient South Sinai city of Saint Catherine to get facelift Egypt has begun implementing the first phase of a project to develop the city of Saint Catherine in South Sinai and promote tourism in the area. Egypt
Egypt opens mega pharmaceutical city Egypt inaugurated the first of its kind and one of the largest pharmaceutical cities in the Middle East, as the country seeks to become a regional center for the manufacture of medicines. Egypt
White House faces tough task of tearing down Iran sanctions wall to save nuclear deal In Trump's final days, the White House introduced a slew of new sanctions aimed at hindering a return to the nuclear deal. Yet since the designations were so blatantly politicized, the risk of undoing them is politically manageable. Iran
Iran nuclear talks to resume next week Meetings on the Iran nuclear agreement will continue in Vienna as Iran continues its demand for "Trump sanctions" to be removed. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran releases South Korean ship The Hankuk Chemi tanker was released following an investigation into alleged water pollution, but the real reason for its detention may have been frozen Iranian funds in South Korea. News Brief
Iraq, hard hit by COVID-19, sets new daily case record Iraq broke its record for most coronavirus cases in a day Wednesday and the country is far from having enough vaccine doses for its population of around 40 million. News Brief
Iraq’s new political parties seek funds from citizens New parties have an uphill battle to compete in Iraq's political system. Iraq
Israel tells international court it has no jurisdiction for probe Shortly before the deadline for responding, Jerusalem tells the International Criminal Court it has no jurisdiction to open a probe against Israeli soldiers or Israeli decision-makers. Israel
Crackdown on dissent highlights Turkey's drift from democracy A recent decision to nullify a parliamentary vote and ongoing targeting of opposition lawmakers are further evidence of Turkey’s slide away from a democratic system. Turkey
