Lebanon won't deport six detained Syrian refugees Five of the six men are from Syria's Daraa province, where government forces and rebels have clashed in recent months. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israel vows to capture escaped Palestinian prisoners After the escape of six Palestinian prisoners and following riots in prisons and in the West Bank, Israel expects more violence. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Why Serbia wants to buy SPIKE missiles from Israel While prospects for actual conflict use are slim, Belgrade hopes that by buying Israeli weapons it can alleviate some of the pressure it may face from Washington over Kosovo and ties with Russia and China. By Vuk Vuksanovic
Is Turkey’s export-driven growth sustainable? Turkey’s industry remains heavily reliant on imported materials, meaning the country’s current account deficit problem persists despite a record increase in exports. By Mustafa Sonmez In Istanbul, reporting on economics
Jordanian appeals court upholds verdicts in royal sedition trial Former royal court chief Bassem Awadallah, who also is a US citizen, and Sharif Hassan bin Zaid, a minor member of the royal family, were each sentenced to 15 years in prison for allegedly trying to destabilize the kingdom. By Al-Monitor Staff
Power struggle over oil threatens Libya's fragile transition process Oil production shutdowns are increasingly likely as several players in the sector push their own agenda. By Jason Pack
German foreign minister reopens embassy in Libya France and Spain already reopened their diplomatic missions in Libya following the end of the civil war last year. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israeli female ministers introduce reforms, shake up agenda With nine female ministers, the government of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett includes the highest number ever of women in an Israeli Cabinet. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
International momentum dwindles over Nile dam dispute Ethiopia has accused Egypt and Sudan of supporting rebels attempting to sabotage the construction of the contested Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in the latest escalation between the three countries. By Mohamed Saied
Israel’s president takes lead on ties with Jordan, Palestinians President Isaac Herzog has been busy these past few days on the Arab and Palestinian fronts, secretly visiting Jordan and speaking on the phone first with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and then with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Chinese-operated port opens in Israel despite American concerns The Biden administration is relaying to Jerusalem the same fears expressed by former US administrations over Chinese investments in Israel. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
Controversial Egyptian slum removal mars Giza Plateau upgrade The Nazlet al-Saman slum blemished the Giza Plateau for many decades, but its ongoing removal is bringing criticism of the government. By Amr Emam
Jailbreak from Israeli prison shakes up Palestinian public The escape of six Palestinians from a maximum security Israeli prison jolted observers. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman Iraqis fear worse chaos amid waning US presence, says Bilal Wahab Amberin Zaman
Egypt, Turkey agree to future talks, though issues remain The two countries have been working to repair their long-strained relations throughout 2021. By Al-Monitor Staff
Saudi Arabia says it welcomes Biden's order to release 9/11 files The Saudi Embassy in Washington said it hoped the documents' declassification would put an end to the "baseless allegations against the kingdom." By Al-Monitor Staff