Saudi-led coalition begins paying US back for overdue Yemen war bills Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are on the hook for a $299 million billing error for aerial refueling. Originals
US sends Syria envoy to Ankara ahead of Geneva talks US Syria envoy Jim Jeffrey is expected to meet with Turkish officials to discuss the US-backed Kurdish militants along its border as part of his continuing efforts to arrange a safe zone in the area. Syria
After cleric's murder, Iranians debate hate speech on social media The murder of a cleric in Iran has opened a new battle between Reformists and hard-liners, as the two sides clash over who instigated the killing. Iran
Why Iran-US confrontation may intensify under new IRGC commander A sharp-tongued commander taking the helm of Iran's most powerful military force has been interpreted by many as a signal that Tehran is bracing for more tensions, including a possible military conflict with the United States. Iran
Delicate art form floats into modern Egypt The intricate golden and silver embroidery called tally has a long tradition in Upper Egypt, and a small community of craftspeople is working to make sure its future is just as bright. Egypt
Sisi sees great promise in China-Egypt partnerships President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi attended China's second forum on its Belt and Road Initiative with the aim of boosting trade and promoting investments. Egypt
Will Banque du Caire’s second go at privatization succeed? Banque du Caire hopes to raise $300-400 million by selling a 20-30% stake in it this year. Egypt
More Druze risk prison to reject military service in Israel A campaign launched years ago continues to have an impact as more Arab Druze in Israel are refusing to join the army despite the risk of imprisonment. Palestine
Egypt's first female polo team rides to victory Farah Awadalla, the daughter of one of Egypt's best-known polo players, has started her own all-female team in Cairo. Egypt
Israel’s new housing minister – minister of West Bank settlements? United Right member Bezalel Smotrich may receive the Israeli Cabinet's housing portfolio in order to promote construction in West Bank settlements. Palestine
Trump pressed to punish Saudi Arabia over religious intolerance A federal commission on religious freedom wants the president to end a decadelong pass for Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Energy tops agenda of Turkish FM's meetings in Iraq Turkey’s foreign minister is touring Iraq in a likely bid to boost ties with his country's oil-rich neighbor as the United States ends the waivers that allowed Turkey to buy oil from Iran. Iraq
Algeria’s army moves from arbiter to central player in politics The protests have thrust Algeria’s behind-the-scenes kingmaker into an unwelcome limelight. Algeria
Zarif criticized for showing ‘weakness’ in proposing Iran-US prisoner swap While Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has floated the possibility of talks with the United States over prisoners, others in Iran have rejected showing any signs of "weakness" amid ramped up outside pressure. U.S.
Bill to restrict consecutive MP terms raises debate in Iran A bill to limit the number of consecutive terms of Iranian parliamentarians is stirring debate amid accusations that it may be a hard-liner plot to seize the legislative branch. Iran
Case of runaway sisters highlights ongoing plight of Saudi women After their case made international headlines this month, one of the Saudi sisters who fled abroad spoke to Al-Monitor about the kingdom’s “flawed justice system” and called on the leadership to carry through with better reforms. Saudi Arabia
