US aircraft carrier returns to Middle East as Suez Canal opens The USS Eisenhower arrives in the Gulf region as the Biden administration kicks off indirect talks with Iran over its nuclear program. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Iraqi Kurdistan reinstates travel ban Daily coronavirus cases are approaching historical highs in the autonomous part of northern Iraq as vaccination efforts proceed at a crawl. By Al-Monitor Staff
Palestinian, international observers weigh Biden approach to Palestinian conflict Although the Biden administration promised to reverse many of the previous US decisions, Palestinians-US relations are moving forward at a very slow pace. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
As coalition talks take shape, Netanyahu preps Plan B Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to compose a majority-backed government, but he's also preparing to fight as leader of the opposition. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Trendy restaurants pop up in Syria’s Aleppo Restaurants are opening at a high speed in opposition-held areas in the Aleppo countryside, making it tempting for capital owners to invest in this relatively safe service sector. By Khaled al-Khateb
Egypt criticizes plan to integrate militias into Libyan army Egypt has raised concerns about a Libyan plan to integrate militias into its military establishment after unification, arguing that doing so could undermine security and stability in both countries. By George Mikhail
Drama in Israel: Netanyahu tasked with composing next government New Hope leader Gideon Saar decided not to recommend a candidate for composing the next government, thus opening the way for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take the first crack at the mission. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Arab-Israeli parties recommend no one to assemble next government Contrary to last year, neither the Arab Joint List nor Mansour Abbas' Raam party recommended to the president any candidate for the formation of the next government. By Afif Abu Much In Baqa al-Gharbiyye, reporting on business and tech
On Israel with Ben Caspit Israeli analyst Shimrit Meir: Arab lawmaker Abbas prefers Netanyahu coalition Ben Caspit
The lost Jewish surnames of Cairo An extensive list of the surnames of the Jewish families who lived in Cairo has been published, helping tell stories across generations. By A correspondent in Egypt
Iranian intelligence arrests alleged Israeli spy A man was executed last year for allegedly spying on Iranian forces for Israel and the United States. By Al-Monitor Staff
Post-COVID Saudi Arabia doubles down on Vision 2030 Although foreign investors mostly took a pass on Vision 2030, Saudi companies and the Public Investment Fund will pour money into a $3.2 trillion reform plan. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Turkey detains 10 retired admirals after statement triggers coup scare A group of retired Turkish navy admirals are under investigation after penning a letter on a Bosporus Strait treaty government officials claim is “reminiscent of coup times.” By Diego Cupolo
Jordan prince declares loyalty to king following rift The United States refers to Jordan's King Abdullah II as an “invaluable and indispensable strategic partner.” By Al-Monitor Staff
War over economic routes heats up in Syria Syria’s economic collapse is stoking the struggle over commercial routes between government-held areas and US- and Turkish-backed enclaves, fueling also disagreements on humanitarian aid. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
Iran: no direct or indirect talks with US officials in Vienna Heading into talks in Vienna on the JCPOA, Tehran maintains its position that Washington must remove sanctions first. By Al-Monitor Staff