Egypt discovers warship wreck from Greek Ptolemaic era The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery of the wreck of a warship from the Ptolemaic period as well as the remains of a Greek funerary area dating back to the beginning of the fourth century BC. Egypt
Turkey accused of cynical motives for restoring churches in north Syria Critics say Turkey is taking superficial steps to serve religious minorities in the areas under its control in Syria for the sake of its image before the West. Syria
Actress' decision to quit stage draws fierce backlash from liberals An Egyptian actress' decision to quit acting and don the hijab has stirred controversy in Egypt, highlighting the widening rift between ultraconservatives and liberals in society. Egypt
How water has become a flashpoint in the Middle East Al-Monitor reporting shows the increased risks and relevance of water security for Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia; Iran and Iraq; and Israel and Jordan. Egypt
Iraq still needs US help to defeat Islamic State, foreign minister says Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein made the remarks ahead of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s visit to Washington on Monday. Iraq
Syria blames Israel for destruction of evidence in Douma chemical attack The UN's chemical weapons watchdog warned Syria's government not to move or tamper with the gas canisters recovered at Douma. Syria
UN: public water in Lebanon could stop pumping in matter of 'weeks' Lebanon's water sector is on the verge of collapse due to the harrowing economic crisis, the United Nations has warned. Lebanon
Turkey records highest daily virus toll since mid-May Turkey on Friday recorded 11,094 new cases and 60 deaths from COVID-19. Turkey
Khamenei calls largely Arab province of Iran 'loyal' amid protests Protesters in oil-rich Khuzestan province in southwestern Iran want clean drinking water, among other things. Iran
Search underway after migrant boat sinks off Turkish coast Eight migrants are still missing after their boat bound for Italy sunk southwest of the Turkish town of Kas. Turkey
Iran's supreme leader receives second vaccine dose The vast majority of Iranians has still not been vaccinated against COVID-19 as the virus continues to spread. By Al-Monitor Staff
Amid Iranian gas shortage, Iraq searches for alternatives Iran's dilapidated gas infrastructure has limited its transfers to Iraq, adding to Iraq's own energy crisis. Iraq
Pegasus intel project brings Israel more trouble With the NSO affair continuing to develop, Israel — the world champion of cyber technologies — might get into significant diplomatic trouble precisely because of that. Israel
Israel’s AU observer status paves way for normalization with African states Now that Israel is joining the African Union as an observer state, African countries hesitant to normalize ties with it could come around. Israel
Afghan refugee influx stokes tensions in Turkey Fresh refugee influx from Afghanistan to Turkey has stoked political and social tensions in the country where the refugee crisis is becoming more politicized. Turkey
Egypt weighs next steps after Ethiopia completes second filling of Nile Dam Ethiopia announced the completion of the second filling phase of the controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Egypt
