Clashes in Libya’s capital raise concerns over stability ahead of elections The UN's assistance mission to Libya expressed "grave concern" over the heaviest fighting in months. By Al-Monitor Staff
US sanctions four Iranians over plot to kidnap New York activist The newly designated Iranian intelligence operatives were charged in July with conspiring to kidnap a New York-based activist and journalist. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Can Russia maintain status quo in Syria's Daraa despite Assad, Iran? The Russian-brokered cease-fire agreement is evidence of Moscow's complex positioning in southwest Syria. By Kirill Semenov
Boxed in: Bennett, Abbas can’t win despite ‘goodwill gestures’ Domestic politics are complicating any moves toward better ties, and Hamas is seeking an advantage by stoking resistance. By Week in Review
Iranians set records at Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Iran is currently leading Middle Eastern states in medals won at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. By Al-Monitor Staff
Amnesty calls for Tunisian authorities to 'come clean' over role in illegal rendition of Algerian activist There is speculation that Slimane Bouhafs was traded for former Tunisian presidential candidate and media magnate Nabil Karoui. By Al-Monitor Staff
Norway police seize nearly 100 artifacts reportedly missing from Iraq The cuneiform tablets and other artifacts were reportedly recovered from a private collection in Norway. By Al-Monitor Staff
Egypt to receive Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses Only around 6% of Egypt is vaccinated against COVID-19, though confirmed cases remain relatively low. By Al-Monitor Staff
Islamic State 'Beatles' member pleads guilty in US hostage-taking case British-born Alexanda Kotey was part of an Islamic State cell that the US government has linked to the hostage-taking and deaths of Americans James Foley, Steven Sotloff, Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller. By Al-Monitor Staff
UAE sends aid to Taliban’s Afghanistan The delivery is the first from the United Arab Emirates since the Taliban seized control of the country during the US military withdrawal. By Al-Monitor Staff
How will Taliban’s return affect jihadi movements in Turkey, Syria? Salafi-jihadi groups in Turkey and neighboring Syria may look for inspiration from the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, but their prospects appear rather limited at present. By Metin Gurcan
Israel asks Egypt to pressure Hamas to end border violence In a meeting yesterday between senior Israeli and Egyptian defense officials, Israel asked Egypt to pressure Hamas to stop the ongoing nightly demonstrations by the Gaza border. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Israeli military: Missile fired from Syria toward Israel exploded over sea Syria also reported Israeli airstrikes near Damascus. By Al-Monitor Staff
Absence of government, parliament negatively affects Tunisia’s economy The complex political and economic scene in Tunisia is deepening concerns over the negative economic repercussions on the sovereign ratings of the economy and the business and investment climate, as political experts warn of an unprecedented economic disaster. By Mohamed Ali Ltifi
Israeli state budget passes preliminary vote Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett are satisfied: After a long period without a real state budget, Israel finally got one. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Palestinians welcome US plan to reopen Jerusalem consulate Palestinians reacted positively to the US plan to fulfill one of President Joe Biden’s promises of reopening the US mission in Jerusalem, which will be providing services and a liaison to the people of Palestine. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics