Activists call Tunisia's first female prime minister mere distraction Tunisia's president has appointed a female prime minister, a first in the Arab world, but he has been both cheered and accused of using her to deflect attention from his policies. Elizia Volkmann | North Africa | Oct 18, 2021 A photo taken from Tunisia's national television screen shows Prime Minister Najla Bouden announcing the formation of a new government at the Carthage Palace on Oct. 11, 2021, on the outskirts of the capital Tunis.
Tunisia's Ennahda party shaken by resignations, political crisis The Islamic Ennahda movement is facing a wave of resignations that are depriving it of its historical leadership and popular base after being the country’s ruling party since 2011. Hanen Jebli | Tunisia | Oct 7, 2021
Grand Ayatollah Hakim's passing affects Iraqi Shiite politics Following the death of Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Mohammed Saeed al-Hakim, one of Iraq’s most senior and influential Muslim Shiite clerics, the family lost one of its sources of religious, social and political power. Mustafa Saadoun | Iraq | Oct 5, 2021
Egypt seeks help from NGOs to advance social protection programs The Egyptian government is working with NGOs to advance social protection programs despite criticism that the state is seeking to control these associations and eliminate political Islam. Ayah Aman | Egypt | Sep 25, 2021
Is Brotherhood’s appeal for reconciliation with Cairo genuine? It seems the Egyptian state will not respond to the recent Muslim Brotherhood calls for reconciliation, despite pressure by the US administration to fix its human rights record. Khalid Hassan | Egypt | Sep 23, 2021
Turkey’s powerful top cleric called to tone down or resign Ever since he delivered the first sermon at the opening of Hagia Sophia as a mosque in July 2020 with a sword in hand, Ali Erbas has been on a meteoric rise of visibility. Nazlan Ertan | Turkey | Sep 8, 2021
Africa emerges as next scene of confrontation between Israel, Iran The decision by Algeria to sever diplomatic ties with Morocco could actually signal future confrontation between Israel and Iran over influence in Africa. Danny Citrinowicz | Israel | Sep 1, 2021
Gaza creates tourism police force The Interior Ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip is establishing a police force to protect tourist and hotel facilities after threats and attacks against some of those facilities by militants against the backdrop of holding mixed-gender concerts. Ahmad Abu Amer | Palestine | Aug 28, 2021
The Takeaway: The roots of Tunisia’s political crisis are economic Also: United States, Iraq stay focused on Islamic State; Gulf eyes solar energy; Russia’s Syria policy puzzles Israel; Afghan refugees trigger backlash in Turkey; Erdogan puts spotlight on Cyprus ghost town. Andrew Parasiliti, Elizabeth Hagedorn, Joe Snell | Tunisia | Jul 28, 2021
Leading Tunisian Islamist party under investigation for alleged foreign funding Tunisia's largest party, Ennahda, is accused of accepting funding from abroad for its political campaigns, as political turmoil continues in the North African country. Al-Monitor Staff | Tunisia | Jul 28, 2021
Actress' decision to quit stage draws fierce backlash from liberals An Egyptian actress' decision to quit acting and don the hijab has stirred controversy in Egypt, highlighting the widening rift between ultraconservatives and liberals in society. Shahira Amin | Egypt | Jul 24, 2021
Grand ayatollah warns against Iran's Taliban approach The rare criticism came as the Iranian establishment is accused of attempting to canonize the Taliban amid shifting regional dynamics. Al-Monitor Staff | Iran | Jul 15, 2021
Cairo cracks down on Salafist preachers The Egyptian state and its institutions have been waging a fierce campaign against the preachers of Egypt’s Salafi movement over ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. George Mikhail | Egypt | Jul 8, 2021
Meet Iran's US-sanctioned new judiciary chief Fears are growing among rights activists that the appointment of Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei may usher in a new reign of terror for Iran's already stifled civil society. Al-Monitor Staff | Iran | Jul 2, 2021
Khamenei defends Iran’s 'epic' elections Iran's supreme leader in a speech Monday defended the latest presidential elections, which saw the lowest voter turnout in the Islamic Republic's history. Al-Monitor Staff | Iran | Jun 28, 2021
Intel: US lifts Iran-related sanctions, says no connection to nuclear deal Elizabeth Hagedorn | Iran | Oct 8, 2021
A photo taken from Tunisia's national television screen shows Prime Minister Najla Bouden announcing the formation of a new government at the Carthage Palace on Oct. 11, 2021, on the outskirts of the capital Tunis.
