The Takeaway: UAE sets the pace for new post-pandemic normal Erdogan’s offer to Armenia; Iranian commander fired in Syria, while Israel ratchets up pressure; Camels and drought; Marvel’s ‘Eternals’ banned in Egypt and Gulf; Dubai machine dispenses joy; all in less than 1,300 words! By Andrew Parasiliti, Elizabeth Hagedorn, Joe Snell
Famed Syrian singer Omar Souleyman arrested in Turkey Omar Souleyman is accused by Turkey of being a member of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, aka PKK. By Al-Monitor Staff
Oil pipeline reportedly explodes in Iran's Khuzestan region Tasnim news agency reported the blast "caused small tremors" but no casualties. By Al-Monitor Staff
Erdogan vows to keep fighting interest rates Ahead of a central bank rate-setting meeting, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his stance against high interest rates Wednesday as the nation’s currency plumbed new lows. By Diego Cupolo
Turkey's war of attrition against Syria's Kurds Alongside shelling and drones, Turkey is weaponizing water supplies in northeast Syria, turning an already horrible situation into a nightmare By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Sudan minister says coup reversal 'unrealistic' Sudan's finance minister has warned time is running out for deposed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok to join the post-coup leadership. By Al-Monitor Staff
Suspected Israeli airstrikes hit Syria for third time this month The missiles allegedly targeted an empty building near the capital, Damascus, according to Syrian state media. By Al-Monitor Staff
Erdogan envisions alliance of Turkic-speaking states The recent summit of Turkic-speaking states has fueled Ankara’s ambitions to lead a Turkic regional economic and security complex, but major geopolitical, economic and institutional hurdles remain. By Metin Gurcan
Why was cosmopolitan Istanbul so threatening to Turkish identity? A new Netflix series has kicked off conversations on long-hushed questions about Turkish identity. By Pinar Tremblay
Rebel groups take sides on Sudan coup Rebel leaders who integrated into the transitional bodies through the civilian side after the 2020 Juba Peace Agreements have allied with the military, but some defiance remains. By Marc Español
Leadership urges caution as Israeli tourists held in Istanbul Israel is concerned that the prolonged detention in Istanbul of tourists Natali and Mordi Oknin bodes ill for rapprochement between the two countries. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Vending machine dispenses kindness in Dubai Created by two Emirati friends, a new vending machine installed at Dubai Design District (d3) is dispensing kindness and promoting positivity as part of Dubai Design Week 2021. By Maghie Ghali
Is Saudi defense reform a win-win for Washington and Riyadh? The US should consider a shift from arms sales to supporting Saudi defense industry reform and expansion. By Amal Altwaijri In Los Angeles, US, reporting on Saudi Arabia
Human rights organizations call on Hamas to halt death sentences against Israeli agents, drug dealers The military judiciary in the Gaza Strip announced this month new death sentences against collaborators with Israel and drug dealers, amid calls by human rights organizations to stop these illegal and nonhumanitarian sentences. By A correspondent in Gaza
Intel: Pentagon chief briefed on 2019 Syria airstrike US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the briefing after reading an investigation into the strike by The New York Times. By Al-Monitor Staff
Palestinian media: man killed by Israeli forces as tensions continue A top Israeli security official reportedly spoke to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas about security coordination recently. By Al-Monitor Staff