Lebanon, Israel resume sea border talks Negotiations over their disputed Mediterranean maritime boundary broke down last year, but Lebanon and Israel are giving it a shot again. By Al-Monitor Staff
Ultra-Orthodox blame own leadership for failing to prevent Meron stampede More and more decision-shapers within the ultra-Orthodox community are coming out against their own leadership, calling on authorities to thoroughly investigate the Mount Meron stampede. Israel
Turkey offers to supply electricity to Idlib Ankara is working to supply electricity to Idlib province, which is controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, in its latest effort to establish an economic foothold there. Syria
Israel not reassured by Biden’s meeting with Mossad chief President Joe Biden told Mossad chief Yossi Cohen in the White House that the United States will not abandon Israel on Iran. Israel
Sudan cancels dam projects threatening Nubian culture Sudanese Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok abolished plans to build the Dal and Kajbar dams along the Nile River near the border with Egypt after protests from local communities. Egypt
Egypt unveils strategy to adapt to water shortages With a growing population, limited water resources, and the prospect of a decreased annual share from the Nile River, Egypt finds itself obliged to revert to water-saving agricultural practices. Egypt
Egypt discovers 110 ancient tombs spanning three civilizations Cairo has announced the discovery of 110 ancient tombs in Dakahlia governorate in north Egypt spanning three civilizations, including the Hyksos era. Culture
Despite truce, Kurdish authorities in Qamishli fear return of Syrian government-affiliated forces Under a Russian-sponsored agreement, the Syrian government-affiliated National Defense Forces retreated from the Tayy neighborhood in Qamishli, which is now under the control of the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration. Syria
German city angry over Dubai's 'Oktoberfest' event A Dubai Oktoberfest event modeled after the beer-filled German festival will take place in October in the UAE's largest city. By Al-Monitor Staff
Saudi Arabia to lift international travel ban on vaccinated citizens Beginning May 17, Saudi citizens who have received the vaccine or have recovered from the virus in the last six months will be allowed to travel abroad. Saudi Arabia
Israeli settlers attack Palestinian following shooting of Israeli students in West Bank Clashes between Israeli settlers and Palestinians have occurred several times in the Palestinian territory this year. News Brief
Turkey bans filming at protests to hide police violence, rights groups say As Ankara tries to ban recordings of both citizens and police at protests, press freedom advocates in Turkey are fighting back. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iran downplays state media report on US prisoner swap The US government has also denied that it reached a deal to swap prisoners with Iran. Iran
Iraqi authorities nab Islamic State 'governor' of Fallujah Abu Ali al-Jumaili's arrest comes as Kurdish-led forces captured another IS official across the border in Syria. Iraq
Turkey sees turning point in failed Cyprus summit Turkey hopes for British support as it takes on a more hawkish posture on the Cyprus conflict, risking fresh tensions with the European Union. Turkey
Iran's Khamenei responds to Zarif leak Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei defended former Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani after the uproar over a leaked audio recording by the foreign minister. Iran
