US officials Burns, McGurk in Cairo to close gaps in Gaza cease-fire talks A White House spokesperson said there are differences that remain between the two sides, even after Hamas softened its demands in its latest counterproposal. Israel
Middle East crises loom in background as NATO leaders gather in Washington While this year's summit is expected to focus largely on the ongoing war in Ukraine, Iran's military support for Russia and Turkey's strategic balancing act with Moscow are expected to weigh on NATO leaders gathered in Washington. Washington Pulse
Analysis Baghdad silent as Turkey moves deeper against PKK militants in northern Iraq A drone attack on Monday comes amid widening Turkish operations against PKK targets inside Iraqi Kurdistan. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Egypt’s remittances reach $2.7 billion in boost to foreign reserves Egypt’s liquidity crisis has been alleviated by recent investment from the United Arab Emirates and help from the International Monetary Fund, though inflation and debt remain issues. Egypt
Middle East startups see funding fall by 34% in first half of 2024 Although startup funding levels have plateaued globally, MENA reported an increase in early-stage rounds and investor participation. United Arab Emirates
Saudi's latest drug bust: thousands of narcotics tablets, 760 pounds of qat Saudi Arabia is a major destination for the amphetamine Captagon, though seizures have decreased recently due to more enforcement in transit countries like Jordan, according to a recent report. Saudi Arabia
Shin Bet chief in Egypt as Gaza fighting rages, Netanyahu adds Israeli demands Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar traveled to Cairo to advance a deal that would see a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of the hostages held there. Israel
Analysis Can Iran's new president challenge country's powerful hard-liners? From the revival of the nuclear deal and fixing the battered economy to easing hijab restrictions and improving women's rights, the Reformist president has made ambitious promises to the disillusioned electorate. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
