Russia rules out opening second Syria border crossing for aid Russia's UN ambassador said his government is still considering whether or not to veto the UN's mandate for Syria's last remaining aid crossing. Syria
Explosion at Baghdad's Sadr City injures at least 15 At least 15 people were injured in an explosion at a crowded market in Baghdad's Sadr City. News Brief
The Takeaway: Iran deal on front burner before Raisi takes office Also: Bibi plots his comeback, a woman boxing coach trains men in Egypt, and the latest from Gaza, Jordan, Iraq, and Turkey. Iran
Lebanon's parliament backs $556M cash subsidy As Lebanon grapples with an economic crisis, qualifying families would receive up to $137 per month to help cover basic goods. News Brief
Intel: Iraq’s power crisis prompts resignation of electricity minister Scorching summer heat, coordinated attacks on power transmission towers and Tehran cutting its power supply to Baghdad have contributed to severe power shortages across the country. Iraq
Turkey prepares to leave women's rights convention A decision by Turkey’s Council of State Tuesday opened the way for the nation to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention to prevent violence against women on July 1 despite condemnation from international bodies and women’s rights advocates. Turkey
Iran approves second Iranian-made COVID-19 vaccine Iran's vaccine rollout has been marked by delays as the virus continues to spread rapidly across the country. Iran
Human Rights Watch speaks out for Yemeni model in Houthi custody Since her arrest in February, Entisar Al-Hammadi has been accused of committing an indecent act and drug possession. Yemen
Turkey's mixed record against Islamic State Structural problems continue to keep Turkey from putting in place a comprehensive strategy to combat Islamic State elements in the country, despite numerous operations against networks linked to the radical Islamist group. Turkey
Turkey stalls on withdrawal of foreign forces from Libya Turkey might have managed to stave off pressure in the Berlin conference on Libya, but as the December elections near, the Turkish military presence in the country will remain a source of tension. Turkey
Saudi Arabia plans second national airline in tourism push The additional airline would help position the Gulf state as a global logistics hub, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman said. Saudi Arabia
Iraqi Kurdistan government denies letting US bomb Iran-backed militia An official from an Iran-backed militia in Iraq accused the Kurdistan Regional Government of allowing the United States to launch bombing runs from Erbil. Iraq
Palestinian team wins international competition to redesign Beirut port Four young Palestinian architects won an international competition to design reconstruction plans for the destroyed Port of Beirut. Palestine
Lapid calls shots as new Israeli government shapes foreign policy Foreign Minister Yair Lapid has spoken boldly of correcting "mistakes" between the United States and Israel. Israel
Female coach trains male boxers in Egypt A female boxing coach is training men in the sport in deeply traditional Upper Egypt. Egypt
Iraq seeks to rehabilitate Islamic State families Baghdad’s program to allow families of Islamic State adherents to return from a Syrian camp and to reintegrate them back into Iraqi society stirs controversy. Iraq
