Egyptian water minister touts strong ties during Congo visit The Democratic Republic of the Congo is currently chairing the African Union, which is mediating on the dispute over Ethiopia's dam on the Nile River. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iraq arrests killer of respected analyst Hisham al-Hashimi was gunned down outside his Baghdad apartment in July 2020. Iraq
Syrian man in Netherlands convicted of war crimes for soldier's execution A court sentenced Ahmad al Khedr to 20 years in prison for his role in the 2012 execution of a regime soldier, which was captured on film. Syria
Netanyahu reportedly urged Trump to attack Iran The New Yorker has revealed former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's role in former US President Donald Trump's push to strike Iran during his final days in office. Iran
France to host Lebanon aid conference as political crisis deepens French President Emmanuel Macron will host the Aug. 4 conference, which comes a year after the devastating blast at Beirut's port. Lebanon
Turkey opens Democracy Museum to commemorate coup attempt The goal of the museum is to educate the public about the role of the Gulenist movement in the attempted coup, according to Turkish state media. News Brief
Tunisia receives medical aid from regional states as virus cases rise Morocco, Egypt, the UAE and others have sent virus-related aid to Tunisia recently. North Africa
Whither the Iran nuclear deal? Ask Raisi Rouhani has transfered JCPOA file to Iran’s new hard-line president, who just might close the deal. Iran
Sadr withdraws from Iraqi elections Populist cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has withdrawn from Iraq's October elections, removing his support for the government. Iraq
Power struggle in Iraqi Kurdistan on hold as Talabani brothers prevail Patriotic Union of Kurdistan co-chair Lahur Talabani has been peacefully ousted, and Ankara is clearly happy about the turn of events. Iraq
Abu Dhabi returns to partial lockdown against COVID-19 variants Beginning Monday, movement will be restricted from midnight to 5 a.m. and public spaces will operate at limited capacity. United Arab Emirates
Erdogan seeks to salvage Kurdish support as poll numbers sag Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Turkey’s largest Kurdish-majority city is seen as a sign of his recognition of how crucial the Kurdish vote will be in his bid for reelection in the next polls. Turkey
Has Erdogan achieved his goal to build his 'New Turkey'? As Turkey marks the fifth anniversary of the July 15, 2016, failed coup attempt, the putsch has served as a founding myth for Erdogan’s "New Turkey." Turkey
Israeli soccer club calls off match with Barcelona in Jerusalem Faced with pressure by pro-Palestinian elements, Barcelona preferred having its soccer game against Beitar Jerusalem canceled, rather than play in Jerusalem. Israel
Egypt disappointed by Russian stance on Nile dam dispute Some Egyptians call for reassessing relations with Russia after it failed to back Egypt's view on Ethiopia's Nile dam at the Security Council this month, although overall ties remain strong. Egypt
Ahead of Bennett’s Washington visit, Israel prepares 'Raisi file' Ahead of the trip of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to the United States, Israel’s security agencies are preparing a personal, revealing file on Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Israel
