Egypt officially enters state of water poverty Egypt announced that it has entered the stage of water poverty, while talks on Ethiopia’s Nile dam continue to stall. Egypt
Sudanese security forces intensify media crackdown The increasing pressure, violence and prosecution faced by journalists at the hands of security forces represent a major threat to the future of press freedom in the country. Egypt
Saudi Arabia to maintain current debt amount Saudi public debt has increased in recent years with the decline in global oil export revenues. By Al-Monitor Staff
China praises 'innovation cooperation' with Israel on 30th anniversary of ties The United States is concerned about Israel's ties with China, especially aspects of technology cooperation. News Brief
Iran, Iraq exchange accusations over water flow Iraq is planning to complain to the International Court of Justice about the drop in water flow from Iran. Iraq
Islamic State prison break reinforces value of US military protection for Syria's Kurds ‘Cubs of Caliphate’ are among 700 boys held in Islamic State prison, as Syrian Kurdish forces keep up the battle to retake control Syria
Palestinian economic activity with Israel increases Relations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority warmed last year. Palestine
Turkish court jails journalist over proverb that 'insulted' Erdogan TV media figure Sedef Kabas is the latest among tens of thousands to be investigated over insulting the president during Erdogan's time in office. Turkey
Iran insists prisoner swap not precondition for nuclear deal Iran's comments came after US special envoy for Iran Robert Malley said a nuclear deal was unlikely without the release of four unjustly held Americans. Iran
Why Turkey wants to mediate in Ukraine crisis Erdogan’s offer to mediate between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders reflects Ankara’s growing fears over the conundrums it could find itself in should war materialize. Turkey
UAE intercepts Houthi ballistic missiles in latest attack The second Houthi attack on Abu Dhabi in just a week marks a new escalation in Yemen's civil war. Yemen
Iran lauds 'good progress' on return to nuclear deal Iran says that the nuclear talks are headed in the right direction, particularly on guarantees against another US exit. Iran
Israeli Cabinet approves probe into submarine affair Defense Minister Benny Gantz marked an important victory with the government approving his long-standing proposal to establish a state inquiry commission on the "submarine affair." Israel
Rivalry between Arab parties threatens Arab, ultra-Orthodox Knesset alliance Ultra-Orthodox Knesset parties are furious over the Muslim Ra’am party voting with the coalition on the Enlistment Law, with the ultra-Orthodox political alliance becoming collateral damage of the rivalry between the two Arab parties. Israel
Can Algeria succeed in Palestinian reconciliation file, where others failed? Algeria and Russia are suggesting new initiatives to bring about a breakthrough to reconcile Palestinian factions. Palestine
