Iraqi cleric Sadr says he is ready for ‘escalation’ as tensions heat up ahead of elections Muqtada al-Sadr has reaffirmed his intention to boycott the November elections following an alleged assassination attempt against him, leaving the country's political future uncertain. Iraq
Culture Saudi comedy festival draws A-list performers, backlash: What to know The star-studded festival highlights Riyadh’s push to brand itself as a cultural hub even as critics accuse Saudi Arabia of whitewashing its repressive reputation. Saudi Arabia
After China, Saudi industry minister visits Vietnam in eastward economic push Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef met with a number of Vietnamese officials on Monday as the oil-rich Gulf kingdom looks east to diversify its economic alliances. Saudi Arabia
Turkey vows to support Gaza-bound flotilla, defying Israeli warnings The Turkish Defense Ministry said its navy vessels and rescue units in the Eastern Mediterranean were monitoring the flotilla and would provide search-and-rescue support if needed. Turkey
Ryanair scraps Tel Aviv return amid airport dispute, regional instability The Irish low-cost carrier said Tuesday it would not restart winter flights to Israel, scrapping some 22 routes to and from Tel Aviv and around 1 million seats. Israel
Analysis Trump offers Netanyahu cover as Israel's far right recoils at Gaza peace plan The latest peace plan for Gaza offers something previous ones lacked: a way for the Israeli prime minister to save face. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
