Can Abbas survive summer of Palestinian discontent? Following killing of a political dissident, the Palestinian president’s hold on power continues to weaken, while support for Hamas is growing. Israel
Pride returns to Tel Aviv The annual Pride march in Israel's largest city is one of the only rallies for LGBTQI+ rights in the Middle East. News Brief
Iran's supreme leader gets jab of Iranian-made COVID-19 vaccine Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said he turned down foreign-made vaccines because receiving Iran's own vaccine is a source of "national honor." Iran
Iraqi PMU plan military parade as show of force Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units are organizing a military parade on the seventh anniversary of their establishment as a show of strength, but it may also reveal their divisions. Iraq
Unlike Netanyahu, Bennett opts for discreet dialogue with US on Iran The Biden administration seems to welcome the approach of the new Bennett government, of conducting a discreet yet open dialogue on the Iranian file. Israel
Gaza’s pets also traumatized by Israeli shelling Veterinarians in Gaza are warning that the lack of medicines and fodder will affect animals who have suffered injuries or psychological problems during the latest Israeli war. Palestine
Russia presses soft power in Syria by restoring Palmyra, Apamea Russia is promoting its archaeological and historical restoration projects in Syria, as it tries to expand its influence in Syria by dominating the Syrian antiquities sector. Syria
Druze woman appointed Jewish Agency representative in US Many within the Druze community are shaking their heads following news that former Knesset member Gadeer Kamal Mreeh has agreed to serve as emissary of the Jewish Agency. Israel
West Bank town draws inspiration from Gaza ‘night confusion’ activities to confront settlers Some West Bank villages and towns have drawn inspiration from the Gaza Strip night confusion activities as they embarked on confronting settlement outposts established on their lands, and the town of Beita is now serving as a model. Palestine
Hamas threatens to reescalate with Israel, refuses to link prisoners swap deal to Gaza reconstruction Hamas’ meeting with the UN envoy in Gaza ended on a sour note, portending further escalation with Israel. Palestine
‘Serious differences’ remain in nuclear talks, US official says A State Department official said the United States and Iran still have major disagreements but a deal to restore the landmark nuclear agreement remains possible. Iran
EU leaders back funding but warn Erdogan against 'instrumentalizing' Syrian migrants EU leaders propose further funding to Turkey for Syrian refugees, but, at Greece’s insistence, issue a warning that the bloc “condemns any attempt by third countries to instrumentalize migrants for political purposes.” Turkey
Turkey attacks Kurdish militants in northern Syria The fighters attempted to infiltrate territory held by Turkey and its Syrian rebel allies, according to Turkish state media. News Brief
Death of political critic sparks outcry from Palestinian activists Although the Palestinian government has ordered an investigation, some have questioned whether it will be serious and if anyone will be held responsible. Palestine
John Bolton joins newly launched Turkish Democracy Project The group describes its mission as “encouraging Turkey to adopt more democratic policies and responding to the steady erosion of Turkey’s democratic institutions.” News Brief
Iran's Rouhani blames hard-liners for deadlock with US The statement was yet another sign of frustration from the outgoing president, who has found hard-liners closing windows on a deal between his government and the United States. Iran
