Syrian soldier killed by suspected Israeli airstrike The Syrian military made a somewhat rare acknowledgment that one of its soldiers was killed in an alleged Israeli air attack. By Al-Monitor Staff
Russian-Iranian competition heats up in South Caucasus For Moscow, contradictions with Tehran may turn out to be much more sensitive than disputes with Ankara. By Kirill Semenov
Intel: Israel sees bad faith in Iran’s delay to return to nuclear talks Israeli officials see diminishing prospects for a return to the 2015 nuclear deal, even if Iran sends negotiators back to Vienna. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Turkey’s vulnerable lira plunges to record low after central bank sackings In a midnight decree, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan rid the central bank of key bureaucrats who opposed his calls for lower interest rates ahead of next Thursday’s key meeting. By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir, reporting on culture
EU sends diplomat to Tehran as uncertainty grows over Iran deal The envoy's visit came at a "critical" time as the Iranian side continues to remain vague on the timing of the talks over the revival of the nuclear deal. By Al-Monitor Staff
Erdogan threatens fresh military campaign in Syria The Kurdish-held town of Tell Rifaat stands out as the focal point of a potential new crisis in northern Syria as Turkey threatens another military offensive amid discords with Russia and the United States. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
Palestinian Authority asks AU to revoke Israel's observer status Israel gained observer status in the supranational African organization in July. By Al-Monitor Staff
Six killed in shooting at Hezbollah protest over Beirut explosion probe Hezbollah blamed the Christian political party the Lebanese Forces for the attack. By Al-Monitor Staff
Diverse Israeli cabinet produces unheard-of alliances Members of the coalition are voting in favor of bills proposed by their partners, instead of following their own ideologies and political worldviews. By Afif Abu Much In Baqa al-Gharbiyye, reporting on business and tech
Israel, Sudan discuss next steps for normalization Israel is hoping that Sudan will soon finalize the normalization process it agreed upon several months ago in the framework of the Abraham Accords. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Egyptians still hesitant on organ donation An Egyptian writer's call for organ donation has reignited debate in Egypt, where a 10-year-old law regulating the procedure has yet to be implemented. By Hagar Hosny
New stone ram heads discovered in Egypt’s Luxor The Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism announced the discovery of new stone ram heads in the excavation area on el-Kebash Road in Luxor, an ancient road under restoration, which Egypt is planning to open for the public next month. By Ibrahim Ayyad
Egyptians alarmed as government delists protected park A government decision to cross out a public park from the country's heritage list has dismayed Egyptians, wary of the authorities' plans to develop the park. By Shahira Amin
Iraqi and Kurdish prime ministers discuss election tensions in Kirkuk Tens of Kurdish residents of disputed Kirkuk were arrested and later released after celebrating the victory of Kurdish parties in the election. By Al-Monitor Staff
US envoy headed to Gulf to discuss ‘options’ on Iran’s nuclear program With the Vienna talks stalled, US officials are warning that they have other ways to rein in Iran's nuclear enrichment. By Al-Monitor Staff