Analysis The Takeaway: Egypt’s US envoy touts EastMed Gas Forum as regional model Erdogan stands firm against NATO bids by Sweden and Finland; Israel pitched as alternative for Russian gas; Sudan’s coup leaders tested by violence; Turkey gains from Kurdish infighting; HTS in talks with Turkish-backed Syrian forces in Idlib. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn
Senate confirms Barbara Leaf to lead State's Middle East bureau The career diplomat's nomination was approveded by a vote of 54 to 44. United States
Ethiopia courts two downstream countries before third filling of Nile dam Ethiopia announced that it intends to find an amicable solution with Egypt and Sudan to the outstanding issues related to the Nile River dam, in the lead up to the third filling process of the dam’s reservoir, which is expected to cause an escalation between the three countries. Egypt
Khamenei warns Iranians of danger in declining birth rate Iran’s Supreme Leader has encouraged officials to continue the work of increasing the birth rate, but that is a challenge even in economically prosperous countries. Iran
Iraqi court annuls food security bill There are rising concerns over food security in Iraq due to the war on Ukraine and the drought, but the agriculture and trade ministries say there is no need to be concerned over the country’s strategic food reserve stocks. Iraq
Israel’s army simulates attack on Iran The warning by Defense Minister Benny Gantz over Iran manufacturing and installing 1,000 advanced centrifuges, and the IDF drill simulating an attack on Iran, express growing concerns in Jerusalem over the reported failure of the Vienna talks. Israel
Analysis Lawmakers question Khashoggi Ban as Saudi prince visits US Reps. Tom Malinowski (D-N.J.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.) want to know whether Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is subject to the visa denial policy known as the "Khashoggi Ban." By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Airport wars flare up in Turkey amid claims of Gulf acquisition A row over the fate of Istanbul’s iconic Ataturk Airport has escalated in Turkey amid opposition claims that a plan to demolish the facility is designed to gratify Gulf investors interested in operating the city’s newer airport. Turkey
Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council resists Houthi supremacy The formation of the new Presidential Leadership Council is a remarkable revival of Yemen's General People's Congress (GPC) and a prologue to ending fighting in Yemen's south. This could throw the Houthis into confusion in the months to come. Gulf
How Sweden, Finland’s NATO membership could impact Turkey If Ankara can be tactful about Stockholm and Helsinki’s possible membership in NATO, it has a chance to see its concerns addressed. Turkey
Affiliate of Abu Dhabi oil company to list on stock exchange Borouge is ADNOC’s joint venture with Austrian petrochemical firm Borealis AG. United Arab Emirates
