Egypt to renovate shrines in major boost to religious tourism Egypt plans to restore and renovate the shrines and tombs of the Prophet Muhammad’s family and surrounding roads and squares in a move expected to support religious tourism. Egypt
Can Algerian mediation bring sides closer in Nile dam dispute? Algeria has become a party in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam crisis after consenting to assume a mediation role to resolve the dispute between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia, which experts count on to peddle the wheel of the negotiations. Egypt
Palestinian, Israeli ministers meet in another sign of post-Netanyahu thaw The meeting in Jerusalem is another sign of improved ties under the new Israeli government and amid US efforts to restore Israeli-Palestinian relations. Palestine
Russia's new twist in Syria policy: Restore archaeological sites Russia is restoring several archaeological sites in Syria, which many Syrians believe aims to polish the Russian presence in Syria and portray it as not a military or political presence but rather a humanitarian one. Syria
The Takeaway: Does Raisi sink prospects for Iran nuclear deal? Maybe not, but diplomacy just got harder; also, Egypt pushes plans to address climate and water crises; Sudan calls out Ethiopia on recent floods; Russia says it is helping save Syria’s heritage; Turkish cleric takes issue with dress code for Olympic women; remembering Beirut’s port explosion; more! Iran
Supporters of progressive Democrat blame pro-Israel group for Ohio primary loss The race between Shontel Brown and Nina Turner was one of several in the past year to pit pro-Israel Democrats against pro-Palestinian ones in congressional races. News Brief
Senate advances repeal of 2002 Iraq war authorization Biden administration officials are in discussions with lawmakers about revising the 2001 authorization for use of military force. Washington Pulse
Family power grab in Iraqi Kurdistan raises fears of intra-Kurdish violence Talabanis strip their cousin of all powers amid a power struggle in the Kurdistan Regional Government's Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Party. Iraq
Ankara unsettled by role in US program to relocate Afghans Washington unveiled a program Monday for Afghan refugees to seek asylum in the United States via third countries, including Turkey, raising criticism from Ankara officials who fear the move could fuel a new migration crisis. Turkey
Germany detains Syrian man accused of Yarmouk grenade attack The suspect, identified only as Mouafak AI D, is charged with the murder of seven people in the Palestinian refugee camp near Damascus. Syria
Erdogan struggles to contain political fallout from Turkey’s wildfires The wildfires scorching Turkey since last week threaten not only an environmental disaster but also a big political fallout for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey
UAE sends more medical aid to Tunisia to fight virus The Emirati shipment followed the Tunisian president dismissing parliament and the prime minister last month in what critics have called a coup. DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
Iran calls Gulf of Oman accusations 'psychological warfare' Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned of a "destructive" response to any attack. Iran
Explosion on bus carrying soldiers in Damascus kills one Syria's state news agency said the blast was the result of an electrical issue, but a pro-rebel outlet said a Syrian al-Qaeda affiliate was behind the bombing. By Al-Monitor Staff
Pope Francis expresses desire to visit Lebanon Speaking on the one-year anniversary of Beirut's deadly explosion, the pontiff said he was praying for those affected and wished to visit the country. Lebanon
Two rockets fired from Lebanon into Israel Israel shelled areas of southern Lebanon in response, though it was unclear who fired the rockets. News Brief
