Rubio hosts Ethiopia’s FM amid push to boost security ties: What to know In response to heightening regional volatility, Ethiopia is prioritizing a strategic partnership with the Washington to secure its geopolitical standing. Sudan
Interview UAE official says opening Hormuz integral to any Iran deal, describes infrastructure damage 'manageable' Abdulla Balalaa, UAE assistant minister of foreign affairs for energy and sustainability, spoke to Al-Monitor about the situation in the Gulf along with the UAE's focus on promoting privatization in the water sector and the 2026 UN Water Conference. Abdulla Balalaa UAE assistant minister of foreign affairs for energy and sustainability
Oil fires, toxic air and water risks: Environmental cost of Iran war expands to region The bombing of oil facilities in Iran and critical water infrastructure in the Gulf threatens the Middle East with long-lasting environmental destruction, as have similar tactics employed in previous conflicts. Iran
Iran currency dips to new low of 1.2M per dollar as sanctions bite: What to know Since US President Donald Trump took office in January, the rial has plummeted. Iran
Analysis Water for influence: Turkey moves to ease Iraq's water shortages ahead of elections By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Jordan’s water security caught between $5B megaproject, frayed Israel ties By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Rebel groups take sides on Sudan coup Rebel leaders who integrated into the transitional bodies through the civilian side after the 2020 Juba Peace Agreements have allied with the military, but some defiance remains. North Africa
Jordan struggles with dry dams, water deficit Jordan is facing an “unprecedented” drought crisis as a number of its dams dried up due to the scarcity of rainwater, which prompted the kingdom to knock on Israel’s door to buy additional quantities of water to meet the current water deficit of 40 million cubic meters. Jordan
US, Egypt conclude first 'strategic dialogue' under Biden In a joint statement, the two countries pledged to continue their dialogue on the US-Egypt strategic partnership, regional cooperation and human rights. Egypt
Arab-Israeli legislator meets king of Jordan Having previously alerted Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Ra’am party chair Mansour Abbas met today in the royal palace in Amman with Jordanian King Abdullah II. Israel
Israeli, Jordanian economy ministers sign West Bank export deal In their meeting Nov. 3, Economy Minister Orna Barbivai and Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yousef Alshamali agreed to expand the list of materials and products Jordan could export to the West Bank. Israel
Intel: Saudi Arabia, UAE publicly reject Sudan’s coup Washington is trying to bring its Middle Eastern allies into line with international efforts to revive the transition to democracy in Khartoum. Sudan
Sudan’s political crisis could complicate Nile dam dispute Fears have arisen that the negotiation process over the Renaissance Dam will be affected by political tension in Sudan after its suspension from the African Union. Egypt
Egypt explores water projects with Somalia Egypt is in talks with Somalia on water management aid for the drought-stricken country as Cairo builds up its influence in the Horn of Africa. Egypt
The Takeaway: Sudan’s fragile economic stability at risk after military takeover Saudi Arabia’s plan for “net-zero”; Turkey’s spy busts; Syria’s rebel factions; Egypt’s robot detention; fatwas on marital sex and bodybuilding; fishing for plastic in the Nile … all in about 1,500 words! Sudan
Israeli minister blames Netanyahu for jeopardizing ties with Jordan For Energy Minister Karin Elharar, the accusations leveled by former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Israel allegedly giving Jordan water for nothing in return, are simply fake news. Israel
Israeli energy minister hails water agreement in Jordan Israel’s Energy Minister Karin Elharar told Al-Monitor that the agreement she signed today doubling the water quantity supplied to Jordan is a sign of improving diplomatic relations between the two countries. Israel
Egypt strengthens influence in Africa through church The Egyptian government is working through the Egyptian Orthodox Church in Africa, especially in the Nile Basin countries, as part of a soft power strategy to boost its influence in light of the crisis over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Egypt
