Iran's Raisi downplays protests in visit to flashpoint Kurdish city President Ebrahim Raisi made no reference to the killings of the protesters in the government crackdown and once again blamed the unrest on outside enemies. Iran
Iran, Iraq sign $4 billion engineering agreement The deal comes at a notable time in Iran-Iraq relations, as the Islamic Republic continues to threaten and attack Kurdish groups in Iraq. Iran
The Business & Tech Briefing: Maghreb startup funding takes off In this weekly newsletter, Al-Monitor CEO Greg Cohen rounds up the biggest business stories from the region. North Africa
Building restoration program shores up Istanbul’s cultural heritage Istanbul is working to protect its neglected structures while providing arts and culture spaces for the public. Turkey
Israel earmarks residential rooftops for electricity production The new strategy of the Ministry of Energy includes encouraging residential buildings to install solar panels that would then be connected to the national electricity grid. Israel
French Palestinian detained in Israel to be released, deported to France Citing his support of terror activities, Israeli authorities have decided to release Palestinian and French citizen Salah Hamouri from administrative detention, revoke his Jerusalem residency and expel him to France. Israel
Culture Mummies with gold tongues uncovered in Lower Egypt A new archaeological discovery in the ancient cemetery of Quesna in Menoufia governorate raises questions about the reasons for using gold foil in the mummification process, as well as the reuse of tombs in different eras. Egypt
Expulsion of Jews from Arab countries on display at UN headquarters For the first time, Israel features at the United Nations an exhibition of documents and pictures that tell the story of the Jews forced to leave their homes in Arab countries and Iran over the establishment of the State of Israel. Israel
Culture Salafist fatwa warns Egyptians not to watch World Cup, angering fans The former head of the Salafist Nour Party instructed listeners not to watch World Cup matches. Egypt
New Palestinian armed groups emerge in West Bank As armed factions in the West Bank struggle under Israeli pursuit, new groups are springing up. Palestine
Iran-linked militia in Iraq threatens Saudi Arabia as Iraqi PM visits Tehran Kataib Hezbollah are calling for more attacks on Saudi Arabia amid wrangling over who should protect the country’s borders. Iraq
