Bennett sketches path for Israeli-Saudi normalization Having scored diplomatic achievements with Egypt, the Emirates and even Turkey, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett views Saudi Arabia as a jewel in the crown of normalization with the Arab world. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Settler violence sparks disputes within Bennett’s government Public Security Minister Omer Bar Lev instigated an argument within the coalition over settler violence, and whether it is an expanding phenomenon or just marginal incidents. By Afif Abu Much In Baqa al-Gharbiyye, reporting on business and tech
Egypt builds industrial city in Tanzania Egypt and Tanzania close ties are strengthened further by the inauguration of an Egyptian industrial city adjacent to the Tanzanian capital. By Baher al-Kady
Sultan Sooud al-Qassemi discusses Building Sharjah, the story of the evolution of modern architecture in the UAE’s third largest city
Israeli citizen killed in West Bank outpost shooting The attack occurred near the Palestinian city of Nablus at a settlement that is not approved by the Israeli government. Two students were also injured in the so-far unclaimed attack. By Al-Monitor Staff
Intel: Final defense bill gives Congress more oversight of US Syria policy Lawmakers are grabbing the reins on the Biden administration’s dormant approach to Syria’s conflict. By Al-Monitor Staff
Middle East sees most hostage-taking of journalists in 2021, report says Reporters Without Borders said of the 65 journalists held by nonstate actors worldwide, nearly all were abducted in Syria, Yemen and Iraq. By Al-Monitor Staff
One-third of Arab world food insecure in 2020, UN says The UN says a spike in undernourishment in the Middle East and North Africa was observed across all income levels, in both conflict-ridden and stable countries. By Al-Monitor Staff
Hungary seeks Iran’s help stopping Afghan migration to Europe Hungary’s controversial Prime Minister Viktor Orban is a vocal critic of Muslim migration to Europe, and his government believes Iran can help stop the flow of people. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
UK warplane shoots down 'hostile' drone near US base in Syria The latest drone incursion comes as indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran are on thin ice. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Islamic State's spread beyond Syria, Iraq remains concern for US The State Department's annual report on terrorism said Islamic State branches outside of Iraq and Syria caused more fatalities in 2020 than any previous year. By Al-Monitor Staff
Unprecedented drought pushes Iran's southeast to brink A new, grim estimate says Iran's already underdeveloped Sistan-Baluchistan province will have to brace not only for a worsening water crisis but for ripple effects as well, including severe economic and social repercussions. By Al-Monitor Staff
Tumbling lira favors foreigners seeking real estate in Turkey The freefall of Turkey's currency has provided new opportunities for foreigners looking to get into the country's real estate market. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Can Turkey's outreach to Armenia save US-Turkish ties? Although Turkey-Armenia normalization is not guaranteed, mutual moves by Ankara and Yerevan are hopeful steps in the right direction. By Cengiz Candar
Soldier killed by suspected Israeli airstrikes in Syria The Syrian military has reported several Israeli missile attacks in recent weeks. By Al-Monitor Staff