Analysis Israel’s Netanyahu seeks Saudi ties, but is normalization within reach? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking full diplomatic relations, but Saudi Arabia looks unlikely to embrace normalization in the near future. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
US to designate Russia’s Wagner Group as transnational criminal organization The Russian mercenary group has been accused of war crimes from Syria to Libya, the Central African Republic and Ukraine. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Turkey summons Swedish ambassador over planned Quran burning A far-right Swedish politician's planned Quran-burning protest has heightened tensions between Turkey and Sweden. Turkey
Iran leans on Russia, hopes for Sukhoi sale as EU pressure mounts Tehran is increasingly boosting its military ties with Moscow, hoping for Sukhoi sale, amid dim prospects for the revival of the nuclear deal and a wave of fresh sanctions over its crackdown on dissent at home. Iran
OPEC Fund raises $1 billion via sustainability bond Gulf states in the organization are showing increasing interest in funding projects related to the environment, renewable energy and green technology. Legacy: Gulf
Culture Istanbul taxi problem pits Gulf tourists against Turkey's locals Turkish people have long blamed Arab tourists’ generous tips for the city’s cab shortage, but this may not be the case anymore. Turkey
Iran top official threatens EU militaries as IRGC terror designation looms Europe’s ties with the Islamic Republic have been worsening since the anti-government protests began in Iran last year. Iran
In restive Iran-Iraq border area, support for firebrand cleric Muqtada al-Sadr holds strong Al-Monitor traveled to Iraq’s impoverished southeast, known for drug smuggling and militia violence, to explore the continued support there for the Sadr movement. Iraq
Drone attack hits Tanf US base in Syria The normally quiet al-Tanf base occupies a remote stretch of the Baghdad-Damascus highway on Syria's southern border with Jordan and Iraq. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Top Israeli court ruling forces Netanyahu to sack ally The Supreme Court left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu little choice but to fire his longtime ally Interior Minister Aryeh Deri. Israel
Saudi FM says no normalizing ties with Israel before Palestinian issue resolved Following the normalization deal between Israel, the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco, talks have increased about more Arab countries joining the initiative; Saudi Arabia is on hold for now. Legacy: Gulf
