Report: Iranian authorities ignore prisons' pleas for help in fighting COVID-19 Amnesty International obtained letters from prisons in Iran to the Health Ministry about a lack of adequate supplies in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. Iran
Does Erdogan think Sisi is bluffing in Libya? Trump and Putin can prevent the "Syrianization" of Libya. Egypt
Iraq’s prime minister says early elections to be held in June 2021 Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi said parliamentary elections will be held June 6, 2021. Iraq
Turkey holds joint military drills with Azerbaijan amid Armenia conflict Azerbaijan and Armenia, long at odds, have been fighting in the strategic Tavush-Tovuz border area; Turkey has threatened to intervene on the side of Azerbaijan. Turkey
Iran, Ukraine hold 'constructive' talks over downed passenger plane Ukraine's foreign minister said the talks were productive, but the two sides have not yet agreed on compensation for the plane's downing. Iran
Elon Musk tweets that aliens built Egypt's pyramids The conspiracy theory that aliens built the marvels is unfortunately common. Egypt
US expands sanctions on Iran metals trade, citing ballistic missile program US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expands metals-related sanctions on Iran, naming 22 materials used in connection with Iran’s nuclear, military or ballistic missile programs. U.S.
Could fraud allegations shatter Iranian parliament speaker's dream for presidency? Fresh fraud allegations leveled against Iran’s powerful parliament speaker could mar his expected bid for the presidency next year, while exposing widening rifts within the conservative camp. Iran
Iranian supermarket opens in Venezuelan capital Iran and Venezuela maintain strong economic ties despite US sanctions on both countries. U.S.
UN experts urge Turkey to use Hagia Sophia as 'intercultural space' Experts from the United Nations called on the Turkish government to use the contested landmark as a place of interfaith dialogue. Turkey
Netanyahu’s decline benefits pro-settler Bennett With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu falling in the polls and facing public discontent, Yamina leader Naftali Bennett is more popular than ever. Israel
Moscow, Damascus shadowbox in Syria’s grey zones The newest twist in Syria involves a Russian-backed military group working to carve out an autonomous zone for itself in the southwest and even clashing with regime forces, perhaps paradoxically seeking to boost regime's legitimacy. Syria
Israel attempts to de-escalate tensions with Hezbollah Preferring to avoid escalation, Israel decided to let Hezbollah emerge unscathed from a July 27 incident and escape humiliation. Lebanon
Egypt acquires Russian fighter jets despite US warning Russian media outlets reported that a first batch of the Su-35 fighter jets are en route to Egypt as part of a 2018 deal over which Washington threatened Cairo with sanctions. Egypt
Inside Morocco’s digital divide: girls fighting for education in lockdown While the internet has kept many going through coronavirus lockdowns, the digital divide could mean that many Moroccan students will fall behind. Morocco
US oil company signs deal with Syrian Kurds Sources told Al-Monitor the agreement to market oil in territory controlled by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces was signed “with the knowledge and encouragement of the White House.” Syria
