Why Turkey has few options to protect Black Sea shipping The Russia-Ukraine drone war is hitting Turkish commercial interests, exposing the limits of Ankara’s ability to protect shipping while remaining outside the conflict. Turkey
Analysis Why Ukraine's strike on Iranian ship marks dangerous new phase in ties Tehran has warned Kyiv of consequences, as pent-up tensions couple with what Iran believes is Ukrainian alignment with the US and Israel in the recent war. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Israel rejects Ukraine's claim that Russian shadow fleet vessel docked in Haifa Ukraine alleges the vessel unloaded wheat taken from occupied territories in Haifa, while Israel says ship had not entered the port. Israel
Ukraine's Zelenskyy capitalizes on Iran war to ink security deal with Saudi Arabia Kyiv is using its domestic production of anti-drone technology and low-cost, AI-enabled interceptor drones to help Gulf states in countering Iranian drones. Saudi Arabia
As West ups sanctions on Russia's oligarchs, many maintain Israeli citizenship Dozens of Russian oligarchs have obtained Israeli citizenship in recent years due to their Jewish heritage. Western sanctions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could affect Israel’s relationships with the billionaires as well as its technology sector. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Returning Egyptians share nightmares of fleeing war in Ukraine Egyptian students who fled the Russian war in Ukraine recount the details of their repatriation. Egypt
How Erdogan could emerge stronger from war in Ukraine Senior bureaucrats believe Erdogan will "wipe the opposition off the table" in next year's elections, excelling as he does in every major crisis. Turkey
Hamas keeps quiet on Russian war in Ukraine Hamas is keen on keeping mum about Russia’s war on Ukraine, following lessons learned from the Arab Spring. Palestine
Egypt to see wheat imports resume from Ukraine, Russia Egypt also banned wheat exports to protect its grain supply, which has been threatened by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Egypt is one of the largest wheat importers in the world. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Turkey, Germany extend call to Russia for cease-fire During German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s first visit to Ankara, both leaders maintain that they want to help Ukraine defend itself while seeking a diplomatic solution. Turkey
Analysis Ukraine war stirs fears Russia could weaponize Syria aid As Russia wages war in Ukraine, concerns are mounting that Moscow will use its UN Security Council veto powers to dismantle what remains of cross-border aid operations into Syria. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Israel vows country won’t become safe haven for sanctioned Russian oligarchs Speaking at a press conference in Slovakia, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid stated that Russia won’t be able to bypass Western sanctions through Israel. Israel
Putin says Moscow ready to use Mideast fighters in Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin has backed the idea of sending volunteer fighters to Ukraine, though there are good reasons for Moscow to refrain from bringing them in from Syria and elsewhere. Russia
Young Egyptian rescues Arab families trapped in Ukraine Social media outlets were abuzz over the past few days with news about Islam al-Ashiri, an Egyptian man who rescued a number of families stuck in Kyiv following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Egypt
Lebanon seeks alternative wheat sources, bans some food exports amid war in Ukraine Ukraine and Russia provide several Middle Eastern states with wheat, sunflower oil and more. Lebanon
Analysis Bennett, Erdogan seek to fill diplomatic vacuum over Ukraine Qatar’s role in Iran diplomacy even more vital with pause in Vienna nuclear talks. By Week in Review
