Russia hasn't cleared Turkish attack on strategic Syrian town Ankara has yet to secure a go-ahead from Moscow for an anticipated assault on the Syrian town of Tell Rifaat, which is controlled by Kurdish groups. By Metin Gurcan
Poll: Iranians blame economic woes on corruption, not sanctions A new poll shows Iranians have unfavorable views of the Biden administration, the Taliban and Saudi Arabia, but favorable views of Iran-backed militias in the region, as well as Russia and China. By Al-Monitor Staff
EU says no plans for Iran nuclear meeting in Brussels A spokesperson for the European Union pushed back on the Iranian Foreign Ministry's claim that Iranian officials would be meeting with EU counterparts on Thursday. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran says no negotiations happening in Brussels Iran says the current discussion with the European Union is not a negotiation on the nuclear deal. By Al-Monitor Staff
Erdogan embarks on three-country Africa tour Gaining influence in Africa has been a priority for Turkey in recent years, while it also tries to mend relations with rival Egypt. By Al-Monitor Staff
Erdogan says US, not Turkey, proposed F-16 sale Turkey's president said the plan to sell dozens of F-16s to Ankara was Washington’s idea. By Al-Monitor Staff
On Israel with Ben Caspit Geopolitical expert Eyal Zisser: A Lebanese civil war won’t really threaten Israel Ben Caspit
Colin Powell, top diplomat who argued for US invasion of Iraq, dies at 84 Powell would later call his now-infamous UN Security Council speech, which sought to build international consensus for the Iraq war in February 2003, a "blot" on his record. By Al-Monitor Staff
Qatar, Azerbaijan sign visa agreement Qatar and Azerbaijan share a common ally in Turkey. By Al-Monitor Staff
Breast reconstruction surgery on the rise in Gaza Pink October is painful for breast cancer survivors in the Gaza Strip with marginalized and poor women unable to get breast reconstruction due to social unawareness or poor economic conditions. By Mervat Ouf
Activists call Tunisia's first female prime minister mere distraction Tunisia's president has appointed a female prime minister, a first in the Arab world, but he has been both cheered and accused of using her to deflect attention from his policies. By Elizia Volkmann
Turkey’s spy bust escalates rivalry with Iran Iran and Turkey are increasingly rivals in the Caucasus and in Iraq. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
Sunnis back party of Iraq’s youngest-ever parliamentary speaker The large backing by the Sunni community for the current parliamentary speaker’s party despite a tradition of voting along tribal lines may mark a break with the past. By Shelly Kittleson
Israeli minister blames Netanyahu for jeopardizing ties with Jordan For Energy Minister Karin Elharar, the accusations leveled by former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Israel allegedly giving Jordan water for nothing in return, are simply fake news. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Gazan women find haven at ladies-only pools More resorts in the Gaza Strip are offering ladies-only swimming pools, allowing women to relax and enjoy the sun away from public eyes. By Hadeel Al Gherbawi In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Gaza's few beauty salons struggle to meet demand Demand for plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures is rising in the Gaza Strip despite a lack of clinics. By Hadeel Al Gherbawi In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict