Israel tags Hamas as 'real enemy' of Gazans as Qatari aid remains cut off Prime Minister Naftali Bennett tours the border with Gaza; Israel continues to seek guarantees that Hamas will not use money Qatar has targeted for poor Gazans for military activities. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Israel's Lapid prepares for future confrontation with Netanyahu Foreign Minister Yair Lapid is consolidating his international standing, in preparation for taking over the premiership and for future confrontation with former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman Iran has been getting closer to the Taliban for some time, says Shelly Kittleson
Syria reports new Israeli missile attack The news followed Iran's Lebanese ally Hezbollah firing rockets at Israel earlier this month. By Al-Monitor Staff
Gulf states call for calm in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were two of the only three countries to recognize the Taliban the last time the Islamist group ruled Afghanistan. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Afghan chaos further incentive for India’s efforts to strengthen ties with Iran The recent rise of the Taliban in Kabul has expedited New Delhi's efforts to boost ties with Iran, which is positioned to be India's main corridor to Afghanistan, yet major challenges remain. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Syrian Islamist opposition leader slammed for misogynist remarks Osama al-Rifai, head of the Turkish-backed Syrian Islamic Council, was criticized by secular opposition figures for his recent remarks about Syrian women. By Khaled al-Khateb
Turkey welcomes 'positive messages' from Taliban Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says Turkey is now focused on safe evacuations from Kabul airport as NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praises Turkey's role in the effort. By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir, reporting on culture
Iran's Kabul embassy 'operational' despite Taliban takeover The statement suggested the Islamic Republic's apparent willingness to work with a new Taliban-led government as opposed to the Iranian public's fury against the extremist group's fast-paced takeover. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey views ties with Ethiopia as key to influence in Africa Turkey’s quest for normalization with Egypt and a new beginning with Sudan hinges on how far Ankara takes its relations with Ethiopia amid a simmering water dispute in the region over Ethiopia’s mega dam on the Nile. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
Israeli defense minister thanks Palestinian president for sending firefighters to Jerusalem The cooperation on fighting the wildfires in Jerusalem is not the only recent evidence Israeli-Palestinian relations may be improving. By Al-Monitor Staff
US blasts Iran's uranium metal production as 'unconstructive' The State Department condemned Iran's violations of the deal following a UN watchdog report that found Tehran has produced 200 grams of uranium metal enriched up to 20%. By Al-Monitor Staff
Whither US policy toward Iran? The election of Iran's new president and the Taliban's stunning takeover in Afghanistan have somewhat shaken up the Iran nuclear deal talks, but the United States and Iran clearly know reinstating the deal is in both their favor. By Mark Fitzpatrick
Israel hopes Biden will take harder line on Iran after Afghan withdrawal Israel seems determined to focus on the opportunities that could stem from the Afghan crisis, such as a wake-up call to its American allies. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Gaza graffiti combines conflict, despair and hope for Palestinians Graffiti artists in the Gaza Strip are painting murals across the besieged enclave after the latest Israeli war to send a different kind of message to the world. By Hadeel Al Gherbawi In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Meet Gaza’s first rock band Members of a rare Gazan rock band say the traditional society has had trouble accepting them. By Ruwaida Amer