Arrow 3 missile-interceptors add to Israel’s long-term plan against Iran The successful testing this week of the Arrow 3 anti-ballistic-missile system is part of IDF preparations against a nuclear-threshold Iran. By Lilach Shoval
Iran to host joint naval exercises with Russia, China US foreign policy appears to be pushing its major adversaries into each others' hands. By Al-Monitor Staff
The Takeaway: Can US guarantee Iran nuclear deal? From our regional correspondents: Turkey and Syria; Idlib’s rival factions; Egypt and Sudan; Israel’s ultra-orthodox and vaccines; and Iraq’s Islamic cemetery — the largest in the world. By Andrew Parasiliti, Elizabeth Hagedorn, Joe Snell
Biden and the Middle East: Year one review It's been one year since Joe Biden was sworn in as US president. We take a look at his statements on the Middle East and see where things stand today. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Putin, Raisi look to boost trade, regional cooperation in Moscow talks Ebrahim Raisi's trip to Moscow is unlikely to further elevate relations between the two countries. By Kirill Semenov
UAE seeks Pentagon’s support following drone attack on Abu Dhabi The UAE has asked the Biden administration to reinstate a prior terrorist designation for Yemen's Houthi rebels. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Will Iran recognize Taliban government in Afghanistan? While Tehran is proceeding slowly when it comes to establishing official ties with the Taliban government, recent talks highlight Iran’s interest in expanding its role in Afghanistan. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
UN agency seeks urgent support for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon The UNRWA said $87.5 million in new funding is needed to continue operations in crisis-ravaged Lebanon. By Al-Monitor Staff
More than 200 charged in Qatar for not wearing masks COVID-19 cases are skyrocketing in Qatar, though hospitalizations remain low. By Al-Monitor Staff
Saudi Aramco inks deals with Korean companies South Korean President Moon Jae-in went to Riyadh for a Saudi-Korean investment forum. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israel’s president considers visit to Turkey Reports claim the office of Israeli President Isaac Herzog is in contact with the office of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for a possible visit in Ankara. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Pro-Erdogan business leaders anxious about Turkey's economy The pro-government business association MUSIAD has stood behind Erdogan’s controversial economic policies but appears concerned that both borrowing costs and foreign exchange prices remain above the desired levels. By Mustafa Sonmez In Istanbul, reporting on economics
Biden's Yemen envoy to visit Gulf after Houthi-claimed UAE attack In the wake of aerial attacks on United Arab Emirates claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, the US special envoy for Yemen will travel to the Gulf this week. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran’s president makes first visit to Russia Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi traveled to Russia today to meet with President Vladimir Putin to discuss the expansion of economic ties, among other things. By Al-Monitor Staff
Inflation crisis hits Turkey's retirees hardest of all According to economists and Turkish seniors' personal accounts, the elderly who suffered most during the COVID-19 pandemic are now being hardest hit by the economic slump. By Andrew Wilks
If Netanyahu is forced out of politics, ultra-Orthodox might join coalition A scenario in which former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opts for a plea bargain and leaves politics for seven years at least, could open the coalition door for the ultra-Orthodox parties. By Israel Hershkovitz