Erdogan tells Biden Turkey won't change position on S-400s Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reportedly told his US counterpart that Ankara won't soften its stance on the Russian S-400 missile systems despite sanctions imposed by Washington over the purchase. By Al-Monitor Staff
Hundreds of migrants returned to Libya after rescue at sea The Libyan Coast Guard has intercepted and brought back thousands of people seeking to illegally enter Europe via the Mediterranean this year. By Al-Monitor Staff
Why Turkey wants to handle security at Kabul airport Ankara’s willingness to deploy a military mission to secure Kabul’s airport raises questions about the risks it is prepared to take, what allies Turkish forces could have on the ground and what the US administration is prepared to offer in return. By Metin Gurcan
Hamas tests new Israeli government by resuming incendiary balloons The so-called “night confusion units” in Gaza continue to fire incendiary balloons toward Israel. By Ahmad Abu Amer
US announces reward in targeting Iraqi militias Iraqi armed group threatens retaliation against "specific targets." By Mustafa Saadoun
Erdogan's silent revolution seeks more than pious youth A recent report claims Turkey’s education system has become increasingly Islamist, with curriculum focusing on Islamic concepts at the expense of science and secularism. Yet it remains to be seen how effective this push will be. By Pinar Tremblay
Why Erdogan may miss Netanyahu Benjamin Netanyahu’s departure as prime minister of Israel is a loss of sorts for Erdogan when it comes to both domestic and regional politics. By Pinar Tremblay
After Netanyahu, Israel’s Bennett revives paralyzed security Cabinet Contrary to former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who sidelined and paralyzed the security Cabinet, Israel’s new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett turns it back into an essential link within the decision-making process. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Syrian refugees in Jordan use donkey-drawn carts amid lockdown Donkey-drawn carts have become the main means of transportation inside the Zaatari camp for Syrian refugees in Jordan after Jordanian authorities prevented cars from entering and leaving the camp since March 2020 as part of its coronavirus measures. By Mohammad Ersan
Egypt to launch regional news channel Egypt is planning on launching a regional news channel, including joint projects and productions with Saudi Arabia. By A correspondent in Egypt
Is Islamic State rebuilding in Syrian desert? Hardly a day passes without the Islamic State carrying out an attack against government forces and their allied militias in the Syrian desert. By Mohammed Hardan
Syria's internal border crossing key to power, revenues for government and opposition groups The internal crossings in Syria are used to prove control and sway, and they are a key source of income for the warring sides. By Mohammed Hardan
For Israel’s new government, Egypt key to calm on border with Gaza An Israeli delegation is expected to arrive in Cairo in the very near future, to continue discussing with the Egyptians a framework for an arrangement with Hamas. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
The Takeaway: Pragmatism is the new watchword in US-Turkey relations Plus: A fresh start for Israel; Iran’s hard-line front-runner on the issues; Egypt’s faltering Palestinian mediation; Saudi-Syria talks; Golani’s makeover. By Andrew Parasiliti, Elizabeth Hagedorn, Joe Snell
Biden urged to secure release of Americans left behind in Iran Amid intensifying speculation over a prisoner exchange between the United States and Iran, the family of Siamak and Baquer Namazi is appealing to President Joe Biden to secure their release. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
US official says Trump recognition of Golan as Israeli territory remains unchanged The US ambassador to the UN said the Biden administration is still working on policy involving the Golan Heights. By Al-Monitor Staff