Archives for July, 2024

MAXIM SHEMETOV/AFP via Getty Images

Russia, Turkey FMs meet in Laos, discuss Syria reconciliation efforts

The two top diplomats’ talks come after the Russian and Syrian presidents discussed the Turkish president’s invitation to hold a three-country leaders' summit with his Syrian counterpart after more than a decade of hostilities.

FAIZ ABU RMELEH/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Hamas calls for avenging death of West Bank leader in Israel jail

A Hamas leader in the West Bank died while in Israeli custody after he was allegedly denied medical treatment.

The Saint Hilarion complex dates back to the fourth century

UN puts 4th-century Gaza monastery on endangered site list

Agence France-Presse

A view of the destruction by the Israeli military of Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip on July 29, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas militant group.

Exclusive

Inside the Palestinian Authority’s day-after plan for Gaza

A proposal obtained by Al-Monitor outlines the Palestinian Authority’s plan for unified governance across the West Bank and Gaza, but its implementation hinges on whether Israel and Hamas can agree to a cease-fire.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed (L), the wife of Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, comforts a Kurdish woman during a ceremony marking the Anfal mass killings, after corpses were transferred from Baghdad to the Kurdish town of Chamchamal for burial, on February 21, 2024.

Ankara brushes off Iraqi first lady’s accusations labeling Turkey as 'invader'

In an unusual effrontery, the first lady accused Turkey of displacing hundreds and destroying large swaths of agricultural areas.

Donald Trump discussed the US wiping Iran from 'the face of the Earth'

Trump discusses US wiping Iran 'off the face of the Earth'

Agence France-Presse

Meeting between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on July 25, 2024.

Biden presses Netanyahu to close gap with Hamas on cease-fire talks

The US president reportedly urged Netanyahu to accept compromise in negotiations with Hamas in order to end the Gaza conflict amid concerns among some in Washington that the Israeli leader may be drawing out the war for political gain.

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

This photograph shows Paris 2024 Olympics Games banner in front of the National Assembly, in Paris, on July 18, 2024.

Culture

From Egypt to Saudi: Meet Middle East's athletes at Paris Olympics

Burgeoning Iraqi soccer star Ali Jasim and 2020 Israeli gold medal–winning gymnast Artem Dolgopyat are among the most-known competitors from the region.

A stray dog sits in front of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Aug. 23, 2022.

Analysis

Turkey’s opposition fears political motives behind stray dog bill

As Turkey inches closer to passing a bill that could lead to the mass culling of stray dogs, some critics argue that it will provide a mechanism for the government to turn up the heat in opposition-held municipalities.

Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Democratic presidential candidate, US Vice President Kamala Harris, disembarks Air Force Two at the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on July 23, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Analysis

Kamala Harris tells Netanyahu 'time to get deal done,' highlights Palestinian suffering

The meeting today encapsulates the challenges the vice president faces in maintaining a fragile Democratic coalition divided over Israel's war in Gaza.

By Bryant Harris

In Washington, reporting on Congress

Barak, whose leg was shredded by a grenade during a hostage rescue mission in Gaza, draws as he sits on his bed at the Ichilov hospital in Tel Aviv

'War wounds the soul': Israeli soldiers recount trauma of Gaza war

Agence France-Presse

Beijing

China’s Baosteel ups investment in Saudi steel plate venture to $1B

A subsidiary of the world’s largest steelmaker, China Baeowu Steel Group, will have a 50% stake in a major new Saudi-based venture.

A fighter loyal to Sudan's army chief, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, holds a weapon during a graduation ceremony in Gedaref state, May 27, 2024.

UAE, China, Russia, Turkey violating Sudan arms embargo: Amnesty

Amnesty International reports foreign countries sending weapons and ammunition to the warring sides in Sudan, where civil war has raged for more than a year.

There have already been four protest-related executions

Iran hangs final defendant in 2008 case after 'unfair trial': NGOs

Agence France-Presse

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives to address a joint gathering of Congress in the chamber of the House of Representatives at the US Capitol, Washington, DC, July 24, 2024.

Analysis

Netanyahu delivers defiant speech, remains weak leader as Israel struggles in Gaza

Apart from hollow slogans, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered no solutions for freeing the hostages, ending the Hamas war or administering Gaza.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

A man carries a child wrapped in a blanket at the Nasser hospital after Israeli strikes in the Khan Yunis area

Israel strikes Gaza as military recovers five captive bodies

Agence France-Presse