Analysis Fears mount EU's $1.1B migration aid to Lebanon will feed political corruption Officials and experts who spoke to Al-Monitor highlighted the Lebanese government's history of misusing international aid meant to help the economy and address the country's migration crisis. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Biden pauses transfer of bombs to Israel amid concerns of Rafah invasion For the first known time, Washington has leveraged the flow of arms to Israel in a bid to shape the ongoing war in Gaza, but the move failed to stop a limited initial incursion into Rafah. Palestine
Analysis In Iran, Iraqi Kurdistan President Barzani welcomed by Khamenei, IRGC Nechirvan Barzani’s trip to Tehran follows tensions between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Islamic Republic over Kurdish armed groups and attacks by Iran-backed militias. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Iran urges IAEA to dodge US, Israeli 'pressure' over nuclear program The visit by the UN nuclear watchdog's chief comes two months after he raised concerns about losing track of Tehran's enrichment program and its possible capabilities to produce nuclear weapons. Iran
Egypt investigating killing of Israeli businessman in Alexandria Egyptian police are currently investigating the killing of an Israeli businessman in Alexandria on Tuesday. Israel
Turkey and Kuwait sign six deals as Erdogan hosts country's Emir The Kuwaiti emir traveled to Turkey for his first foreign visit to a non-Arab country since he took the oath of office in December. Turkey
Palestinian Fatah official slams Israel’s Rafah push but hopeful on Gaza deal Abbas Zaki told Al-Monitor he’s hopeful the strong international response will leave Israel with no choice but to withdraw from the Rafah crossing and potentially accept a deal. Palestine
Somalia strikes by Turkish drones killed 23 civilians, including children: Amnesty The international watchdog called on the governments of Somalia and Turkey to investigate the incidents for potential “war crimes.” Turkey
Egypt outraged over Israeli takeover of Rafah crossing but shows restraint Egypt has condemned the Israeli takeover of the Rafah border crossing and warned that it derails the efforts to reach a comprehensive truce in the Gaza Strip. Egypt