Islamic State uses hit-and-run tactics in Iraq Islamic State cells continue to target Sunni areas while armed groups thought to be close to Iran step up attacks on facilities hosting international coalition forces. By Shelly Kittleson
Hamas leader Meshaal reaches out to Riyadh on Saudi TV After a decadelong hiatus, Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal spoke to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Arabiya TV, promoting the resumption of relations with Saudi Arabia. By Adnan Abu Amer
Egypt warns Europe against illegal immigration amid Nile dam impasse The Egyptian government has warned European countries against illegal immigration should Ethiopia continue to insist on filling the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam without a binding agreement with its downstream neighbors. By Ibrahim Ayyad
Israel’s Bennett rethinks Iran policy Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is reviewing Israel’s policy on Iran in order to find the best strategy adapted to the developing situation in the region and worldwide. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Egypt, Sudan exchange strong words with Ethiopia at UN session on Nile dam The three countries discussed Ethiopia’s mega-dam at a UN Security Council meeting; significant disagreements remain between the three parties as Ethiopia fills the dam for the second year in a row. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Biden's airstrikes fail to halt cycle of militia violence in Iraq The Pentagon says it is taking a recent spate of drone and rocket attacks "deadly seriously." By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Qatar to resume tourist, family visas starting July 12 Both vaccinated and non-vaccinated visitors will be required to present a negative PCR test and certain travelers must quarantine upon arrival. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran denies 'US sabotage' against homemade vaccine project The denial added to the chaos and confusion surrounding Iran's piecemeal rollout, which has reached only 2.3% of its population. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey arrests alleged Gulen supporters for trying to flee to Greece Many supporters of the outlawed Gulen movement have tried to enter Greece since the crackdown against them in Turkey following the 2016 coup. By Al-Monitor Staff
World Food Programme sounds alarm as food prices rise in MidEast Currency depreciation and pandemic job losses in neighboring Lebanon and Syria have contributed to major food inflation in both countries. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israel’s Bennett, Jordan's king meet secretly, make water deal In a meeting July 8 in Jordan, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi formalized an agreement reached by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Jordanian King Abdullah last week on increasing the quantity of water Israel will sell to Jordan. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Exiled Turkish journalist attacked outside home in Germany The attack on Erk Acarer following his columns on mafia-state links has alarmed other Turkish journalists in exile who have urged the German government to take a stance against "Erdogan’s arm." By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir, reporting on culture
Russia, Iran, Turkey wrap Syria talks as border vote looms The three countries gathered in Kazakhstan's capital, Nur-Sultan, for the 16th round of the Astana talks aimed at resolving the decadelong war. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israeli imam charged with inciting violence Yusuf Albaz allegedly called for police to be killed during May's unrest in the city of Lod. By Al-Monitor Staff
Saudi Arabia’s Prince Khalid describes 'great' meeting with Blinken Saudi Arabia’s deputy defense minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, is the most senior Saudi official to visit Washington under the Biden administration. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkish sexologists attract following on social media As the ruling AKP tries to shut down the conversation on sexuality, Turkey's public finds new ways to gather and speak openly about their lives and desires. By Kenan Behzat Sharpe