Aleppo expands as displaced population grows Massive displacement from the war has brought thousands of Syrians north, and with them urban expansion. By Mohammed Hardan
PA's Abbas in 'good health' after medical check in Germany Palestinian Authority officials dismissed concerns over President Mahmoud Abbas' health ahead of the Palestinian elections. By Al-Monitor Staff
Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq imposes partial lockdown amid rising virus cases The measure follows other anti-virus restrictions in recent days and the start of a vaccination campaign in the autonomous part of northern Iraq. By Al-Monitor Staff
Netanyahu slams Iran nuclear deal on Holocaust day Netanyahu's warns "closest friends" that Iran nuclear deal will "not obligate us." By Al-Monitor Staff
Biden restores US aid to Palestinian refugee agency Along with providing $150 million to UNRWA, the US administration announced funding for economic and development assistance in the West Bank and Gaza. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Sudan’s Cabinet votes to repeal 1958 Israel boycott Once approved, the move could further open economic ties with Israel. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkish court sentences 32 to life in prison over 2016 coup In mass trial of 497 defendants, an Ankara court issued 32 life sentences to former soldiers Wednesday for their involvement in a 2016 coup attempt to oust Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. By Diego Cupolo
Iranian ship, believed to be spy vessel, damaged by mine off Yemen The Iranian Foreign Ministry said its ship suffered minor damage from a limpet mine attack, which The New York Times reports was carried out by Israel, off Yemen. By Al-Monitor Staff
The Takeaway: Nile Dam talks fail, crisis escalates Sisi warns that "all options open" if diplomacy not resumed; Israel: "Knives drawn" as Bibi gets first shot at forming government; Hotel shuttle diplomacy at Iran talks in Vienna; Mummies on parade in Egypt; more! By Andrew Parasiliti, Elizabeth Hagedorn, Joe Snell
Kadhimi deepens cooperation with Saudi Arabia, UAE in Gulf tour Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi is pursuing two-track diplomacy, expanding cooperation with both Levant and Gulf countries. By Hassan al-Mustafa
Where will new round of strategic talks with US take Iraq? Iraq and US agreed on shifting the anti-IS coalition to training and support only, working on ending the presence of any combat forces. By Hassan Al-Saeed
Iranian source rejects removal of sanctions in segments This week's talks in Vienna have brought officials closer to resolving the nuclear deal crisis, though Iran still insists on full sanctions removal. By Al-Monitor Staff
Emirati, Israeli media outlets sign cooperation agreement Emirates News Agency also launched a Hebrew-language website. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran shatters daily COVID-19 records A national vaccination campaign is still at least several weeks away as Iran records its highest-ever daily coronavirus infections. By Al-Monitor Staff
House Democrats urge Biden to pressure Saudis on 'unconscionable' Yemen blockade The lawmakers called on Biden to use the full weight of US influence to end the sea and air blockade, which aid agencies say is exacerbating Yemen's humanitarian crisis. By Al-Monitor Staff
Algerian protesters keep up pressure as government targets activists abroad Algeria's pro-democracy Hirak movement hits the streets, calling for a civil state. By Simon Speakman Cordall