Turkish-backed rebels leave trail of abuse, criminality in Syria’s Afrin The serene topography of the Syrian enclave of Afrin belies the power vacuum and violence now afflicting many of the territories under the control of Turkish-backed forces in the war-torn country’s northeast. Syria
The Takeaway: Biden-Abdullah White House summit key to Israel-Jordan reset Jordan-Israel ties had hit rock bottom under Netanyahu; Also: Will Zarif pick up Raisi’s road map on the Iran deal?; Israel prepares Raisi file; Egypt, Ethiopia compete for power partnerships; Saudi-Ethiopian ties strained by Nile dam dispute; Russia’s vaccine diplomacy stumbles; the latest Pharaonic parade. Israel
UN body rules in favor of expanding Qatari airspace The judgment by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) comes six months after GCC summit ending three year embargo of Qatar by Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt. Gulf
Turkey’s COVID-19 cases surge as restrictions relaxed during Eid As holiday-makers flock to Turkey’s coastal areas and cast aside masks and social distancing, a surge in COVID-19 figures fans worries in the health sector of a fourth coronavirus wave, possibly as early as August. Turkey
Explainer: The conflict between Turkey and Cyprus over the Varosha ghost town Turkey is supporting the development of a former tourist resort in Northern Cyprus, prompting condemnation from the Republic of Cyprus, Israel, the United States and others. Turkey
Tehran begins another round of coronavirus lockdowns Iran has announced a new wave of restrictions in red zones as well as the capital. Iran
Has Erdogan started a journey of no return in Cyprus? Unless he is playing a game of brinkmanship to force the Greek Cypriots into a settlement, Erdogan’s tough moves in the Cyprus conflict are raising the specter of Turkey’s eventual annexation of Northern Cyprus. Turkey
Egypt plans to build more nuclear power stations Egypt is planning to establish new nuclear projects next to the Dabaa nuclear plant under construction on the north coast, as the Egyptian state heads to produce electricity from renewable energies. Egypt
UAE likely partner in Israel's moon mission The funding sources for Israel's ambitious Beresheet 2 have not been divulged, but there are hints that the United Arab Emirates may well be teaming up with Israel on a moon landing. Israel
Egypt hopes China can break deadlock in Nile dam dispute Egypt has turned to China, hoping its leverage will help sway Ethiopia to negotiate on a deal over the dam’s water management. Egypt
Egyptian city loses mango crop to climate change Ismailia was long Egypt's mango growing hub, but climate change is quickly destroying the industry. Egypt
Iran spokesman says powerful body rejects nuclear deal with US The statement by the spokesman for the moderate government confirmed a push by hard-liners in Tehran to make it impossible for a deal between the outgoing Rouhani government and the US administration to get final approval. Iran
Erdogan, Tatar announce controversial plan to further reopen Cypriot ghost town A controversial plan to partially reopen an abandoned resort area in Cyprus’ buffer zone under the administration of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus threatens to further raise tensions within Cypriot communities. Turkey
Iran breaks another record for daily virus cases Iran's daily COVID-19 cases are at a similar level to the previous high points in April. The vaccine is still not available for most of the population, and the capital is under lockdown. By Al-Monitor Staff
Suspected Israeli airstrikes hit near Aleppo The strikes were the first since Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett took office. News Brief
Turkish vice president slams EU for allowing hijab bans The European Union's top court ruled that employers can bar employees from wearing religious clothing in certain circumstances. News Brief
