Analysis Erdogan: Sweden, Finland need to ‘act accordingly’ toward Kurdish groups for approval on NATO bids The Turkish president repeated these points while announcing another military operation into Syria. By Week in Review
US welcomes 2-month extension of Yemen truce Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Yemen's warring parties to "seize this pivotal moment." By Al-Monitor Staff
Tehran denounces GCC over missile comments The GCC enumerated worries about Iran and its "destabilizing behavior," triggering typically strong rhetoric from Tehran. By Al-Monitor Staff
Knesset speaker participates, addresses gay pride parade in Jerusalem Knesset speaker Micky Levy participated today at the gay pride parade in Jerusalem, condemning death threats that were sent earlier this week to an organizer of the parade and several legislators. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Iran, Iraq, Syria to cooperate on sandstorms Sandstorms have pummeled the region this year, particularly Iraq. By Al-Monitor Staff
Egypt expands water desalination projects as Nile dam talks hit new snag The Egyptian government is seeking to expand seawater desalination projects in the upcoming period, especially in coastal and border cities, by establishing 14 new plants. By Ahmed Gomaa
OPEC+ alliance agrees to production increase Pressure on Saudi Arabia, Russia and other major oil producers has boosted production amid high prices. By Al-Monitor Staff
Egypt demands return of King Tut artifact amid former Louvre director scandal Former Louvre Director Jean-Luc Martinez was accused of conspiring to conceal the origin of artifacts suspected of having been stolen from Egypt during the Arab Spring in 2011, prompting Egyptian demands to return these valuable pieces to Egypt. By Mohammed Magdy In Berlin, reporting on Egyptian politics
Cases against opposition politicians mount ahead of Turkish elections Critics claim the government has weaponized the judiciary to neutralize leading figures in the Republican People’s Party. By Andrew Wilks
Iran calls exodus of Black staffers from Biden White House 'systematic racial discrimination' Iran has criticized the treatment of Black Americans before, but the Islamic Republic has its own issues with discrimination against Kurds, Arabs, Jews and others. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change