China appoints envoy for Horn of Africa China’s announcement of an envoy to the troubled Horn of Africa raised questions about the effectiveness of the Chinese role in resolving regional conflicts, especially the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam crisis, which is still a subject of tension and disagreement between Cairo, Khartoum and Addis Ababa. By Ayah Aman In Cairo, reporting on politics and culture
Democrats urge Biden to overhaul drone strike policy Democratic lawmakers called on Biden to bring US counterterrorism policy in line with international law. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey using less coal and hydropower energy; renewables and gas up A UK-based environmental organization released a report detailing changes in Turkey’s use of different energy sources. By Al-Monitor Staff
Islamic State attempts prison break in Syria's Hasakah, SDF says A spokesperson for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said Islamic State militants set off a car bomb and clashed with security forces. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkish Central Bank announces it will stop cutting interest rates The decision could help stop rising inflation in Turkey, which is taking a toll on the economy. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran’s Raisi attacks US during speech to Russian parliament The Iranian president addressed Russian lawmakers on the second day of his visit to Moscow, a “landmark” trip at a critical juncture for the revival of the Iran nuclear deal. By Al-Monitor Staff
Aid agencies sound alarm as US considers relisting Houthis as terror group The US State Department says it would have to "fully consider the humanitarian implications" of the Houthis' redesignation as a terrorist group. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Calls across political spectrum to probe Israel Police Pegasus spyware misuse Knesset members from across the political spectrum are calling for an official probe over publications that police had used the spyware Pegasus to hack phones of citizens without prior court order. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Rare snowstorm hits Iraq and Syria Many people in the Kurdistan Region rejoiced while playing in the snow, but such conditions can be dangerous for others, especially those living in displaced people camps. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
US diplomacy prompts Iraqi Kurds to allow aid through sealed Syrian border crossing The Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq has agreed to open one crossing between its territory and northeast Syria twice a month for the passage of vital aid. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
US says no more funds for Sudan until civilian government restored Top US officials met with Sudanese military leaders in Khartoum and said financial aid would remain frozen. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey’s pop queen draws sudden wrath over five-year-old lyrics Sezen Aksu, the reclusive diva of Turkish pop, has become the latest target of conservatives who accuse her of blasphemy. By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir, reporting on culture
Human rights in spotlight as Egypt's revolution anniversary nears In the run-up to the anniversary of the January 25 revolution that led to the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's comments on human rights at a youth forum in Sharm El Sheikh are met with a backlash from activists on social media. By A correspondent in Egypt
Child recruitment leaves parents heartbroken in northeast Syria The PKK-linked Revolutionary Youth movement has continued its campaign of child recruitment in northeast Syria despite efforts from local authorities, and SDF chief Mazloum Kobane to stop the practice, leaving a trail of anguished parents in its wake. By Dan Wilkofsky
Iraq moves forward with building pilgrim route to Saudi Arabia The Iraqi government is showing interest in completing the pilgrim route linking Iraq and Saudi Arabia, which will facilitate the arrival of religious visitor convoys between the two countries and will enhance trade and political relations. By Adnan Abu Zeed
Israel signs agreement to buy three more German submarines While the Knesset debates opening an inquiry into the purchase of German submarines under the Netanyahu government, Defense Minister Benny Gantz has announced a new deal with ThyssenKrupp for the purchase of three more such vessels. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs