Iran parliament rejects Raisi's pick for education minister Despite its close alliance with the hard-line president, the parliament seemed to have bowed to public arguments that the nominee was unfit for the key post. By Al-Monitor Staff
Intel: US, UAE talk F-35 as Russia pitches stealth aircraft A top State Department official warned the Biden administration is "very serious" about imposing sanctions on partners that purchase Russian military hardware. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Netflix series awakens ghosts of past for Turkey's Jews "The Club" explores the old wounds of Turkey’s minuscule Jewish community, from lost Ladino songs to the wealth stolen by a draconian 1942 tax. By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir, reporting on culture
Israeli court delays key testimony in Netanyahu corruption trial Nir Hefetz, a former aide to Benjamin Netanyahu and his family, is the prosecution's star witness in Case 4000. By Al-Monitor Staff
Syria explores vaccine cooperation with Cuba Cuba has worked with Syria’s ally Iran on developing vaccines against COVID-19. By Al-Monitor Staff
Libyan strongman Hifter announces presidential run Libya's former eastern-based commander Khalifa Hifter declared his candidacy for the Dec. 24 elections, saying he'll seek to "lead our people in a fateful stage." By Al-Monitor Staff
Budget approval makes Yair Lapid Israel’s new dominant politician With the state budget approved, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid is now preparing for the moment when he takes over premiership from his coalition partner Naftali Bennett. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Egypt joins Gulf states in banning 'Eternals' Egypt joins Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar in banning the movie "Eternals," raising questions about freedom of creativity and expression. By Ahmed Hidji
Plans for new Israeli-Bedouin town face array of obstacles The Bennett government plans on establishing a new Bedouin city in the Negev, but the way to realizing the project seems long and complicated. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
Spyware firm seeks help from Israeli government as backlash continues The spyware company NSO is seeking help from the Israeli government in the wake of the US Department of Commerce’s blacklisting. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iranian helicopter made 'dangerous' approach to US Navy ship, Pentagon says Iran and the United States are upping the ante in the Gulf ahead of a planned return to negotiations in Vienna. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Intel: Russia displays new fighter jet at Dubai Airshow 2021 With the Su-75 Checkmate on display, Russia aims to remind the Emirates and other nations they have options when it comes to fifth-generation fighters. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkish foreign minister meets Iranian president in Tehran Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said there is “no ceiling for elevation of ties with Turkey.” By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran says IAEA director to visit soon Iran has presented its case ahead of the nuclear talks. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israeli defense minister to visit Morocco in first since normalization Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz is expected to sign security cooperation agreements with his Moroccan counterpart, Abdellatif Loudiyi. By Al-Monitor Staff