Iran rolls out matchmaking app to curb declining birthrate The Hamdan app aims to create "healthy" families and pair "bachelors seeking permanent marriage” with a wife. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israeli prime minister's dysfunctional, fragile coalition hits reality Trying to please all components of his coalition, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett now heads a government that is too large, too spread out and too geared on compromises. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Erdogan, Herzog share rare phone call Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed their mutual desire for improving bilateral ties. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Ship that blocked Suez Canal leaves Egyptian waters The Ever Given was released from Egyptian detention last week following an undisclosed agreement with the massive container ship's owner. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran says US prisoner swap negotiations underway The Iranian comments followed US special envoy for Iran Robert Malley's pledge that the United States would not accept a partial deal that does not bring home all four detained Americans from Iran. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran presses for visa waiver from Iraq Iranian authorities continue to pressure the Iraqi government into waiving its travel visa between the two countries. By Omar Sattar
Russia resumes flights to Egyptian resorts after six-year halt Moscow has officially lifted the ban on flights to Egyptian resorts six years after a devastating air incident. By Baher al-Kady
Has Israel’s army become too small? Outgoing IDF deputy chief of staff Eyal Zamir warned this week that Israel's army would struggle to manage the multiple threats facing the country. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Palestinians look to Biden for international points Palestinian leaders are hoping for a political breakthrough with the United States to help restore their domestic credibility. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Kurdish parties split over Russian invitation for dialogue with Syrian government Kurdish politicians in Syria split over Russia’s invitation to hold a dialogue with the Syrian government, with some accepting the invitation based on conditions, while others were skeptical about such a move. By Mohammed Hardan
What does Saudi ban on Syrian produce mean for Assad’s government? The kingdom's decision to ban the import of produce from the government-held areas is viewed as a sign that the kingdom has not changed its position toward the Syrian government. By Sultan al-Kanj
On Israel with Ben Caspit Ambassador Haim Koren: Bennett seeks to boost Israel’s ties with Jordan Ben Caspit
Turkish airstrikes ignite Assyrian lands, villagers organize firefighting response The fire and lack of emergency response is endemic in the region as Turkish attacks routinely impact communities in Iraq’s north. By Joe Snell
Palestinians criticize FC Barcelona over possible match with Israeli team Spain's elite soccer club has not confirmed it will play the Israeli team Beitar Jerusalem. By Al-Monitor Staff
Moroccan journalist's jailing draws rebuke from US State Department spokesman Ned Price said the United States is "disappointed" by a Moroccan court's five-year sentence of journalist Soulaiman Raissouni. By Al-Monitor Staff