Taliban takeover may push Syrian jihadis toward Afghanistan Some jihadist groups facing pressure from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Syria are eying Afghanistan as a new haven after the Taliban took control. Syria
Turkey begins pulling troops from Kabul airport as US deadline looms Ankara's proposal to keep troops at Kabul airport appears dead in the water, at least for now. Turkey
The Takeaway: Bennett has opening to sway Biden administration on Iran nuclear deal Also: Iran’s new foreign minister and Nasrallah; Syrian Islamist group cracks down in Idlib; TikTok finds audiences in Egypt, Gaza; Israel’s chocolate confiscation; and more … in about 1,500 words! Israel
Egyptian victims of sexual extortion find help online The Qawem platform receives more than 300 assistance requests a day from women and girls who have been subjected to sexual extortion. Egypt
Russian rebuke of Turkey for Crimea support highlights Ankara's delicate balancing act Turkey's support for Crimea also highlights the growing value of Ukraine and Crimea for Ankara. Turkey
Jihadi group in Syria’s Idlib faces criticism over unfair trials, death sentences Hayat Tahrir al-Sham issued death sentences against two young men who have been detained in the organization’s prisons on charges of collaborating with the US-led international coalition. Syria
Baghdad holds national dialogue in runup to regional conference Leaders of popular protests and other social movements gathered for a national conference sponsored by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi in Baghdad to discuss Iraq's outstanding issues and the early elections scheduled for October. Iraq
Blast at jihadist training camp in Syria's Idlib kills 10 The explosion near the town of Hasano occurred as fighters were reportedly attending a training on mortars. Syria
Algeria partly blames Israel in decision to cut ties with Morocco In explaining his country’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with Morocco, Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra also pointed a finger at Israel. Israel
Palestinian dies from Israeli fire during Gaza border clashes Some 40 Palestinians were injured when Israeli troops fired on a crowd of protesters attempting to breach the Gaza perimeter fence. Palestine
Turkey’s external debt drops $25 billion at a stroke The jury is still out on Turkey’s downward revision of short-term external debt, but similar revisions that improved GDP figures in the past have cast doubt on the credibility of Ankara’s economic data. Turkey
Will Riyadh's efforts to Saudize workforce reduce unemployment? Saudi Arabia’s quest for regional economic leadership sheds light on the largest reserve of citizens in the Gulf Cooperation Council, reigniting debate over localization policies. Gulf
Iran judiciary orders investigation into prison abuse The head of Iran’s judiciary called for an investigation into the abuse at Evin Prison. Iran
Gazan shares realities of poverty via TikTok A young man from Gaza is using social media to shed light on the poverty and difficult living conditions of many residents in the besieged enclave amid the lack of action from Palestinian authorities. Palestine
Israel considers canceling Green Pass for those without booster shot Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz said there was no justification for giving a Green Pass to people who had not gotten the third, booster vaccination dose. Israel
Israeli minister lambasted for seeking surrogate help The announcement by Transportation Minister Merav Michaeli on her baby being born by an American surrogate mother generated enormous public debate about the issue and about Michaeli’s convictions. Israel
