Zarif throws full weight behind contentious Iran-China deal Iran’s foreign minister went to lengths to reject criticism and justify a long-term deal with China, which many Iranians fear is a package of concessions. By Al-Monitor Staff
Dubai nabs alleged French drug dealer Moufide Bouchibi, who allegedly operated a major cannabis network in Europe, has been wanted by the French authorities for 10 years. By Al-Monitor Staff
Yemen's Houthis claim drone attack on Riyadh The Saudi-led coalition also said it destroyed one of the Houthis' ballistic missiles in Yemen. By Al-Monitor Staff
Saudi peace initiative applauded internationally but downplayed by Yemenis Saudi Arabia announced a new peace initiative to end the 6-year-old war in Yemen at a time when there has been a military escalation and peace talks have stalemated. By A correspondent in Yemen
Russia steps up vaccine diplomacy in Maghreb, North Africa Russia expands its area of influence in the Maghreb as Tunisia and Algeria receive batches of the Russian Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, raising questions about Moscow's motives. By Ahmed Nadhif
Israel’s Bennett faces dilemma of his life Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu knows that without Yamina leader Naftali Bennett he has absolutely no chances of forming the next government. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
US pushes for progress on Nile dam talks The United States is once again trying to help the Nile dam negotiations resume, this time leaning harder on the African Union. By Mohammed Magdy In Berlin, reporting on Egyptian politics
Critics react to US-Jordan defense agreement The Jordanian government bypassed parliament and approved a controversial agreement signed between Jordan and the United States that regulates the status of US forces present in the kingdom, which raised much controversy. By Saud al-Sharafat
Egypt welcomes Saudi cease-fire initiative in Yemen Saudi Arabia's initiative to settle the conflict and war in Yemen gets support from Cairo. By Baher al-Kady