US confident Sweden, Finland will soon join NATO despite Turkey's holdup

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the two Nordic states had taken "tangible steps" to address Turkey's security concerns.

Turkey

Lebanese actress tied to corruption scheme allowed to enter country

Surrounded by controversy, Lebanese actress Stephanie Saliba enters Lebanon freely despite a search warrant in her name.

Lebanon

Child abuse case drags Turkey’s religious sects into public eye

A woman’s claims that she was married at 6 has raised questions about the role of Islamic orders and their influence in the state.

Turkey

US unveils sanctions on Turkish businessman over IRGC oil sales

The United States designated what it described as an international oil smuggling and money laundering network led by Turkish businessman Sitki Ayan.

Turkey

EU halts talks with Israel on police intelligence-sharing agreement

After signing a draft of a cooperation agreement between Europol and Israeli Police, the political leadership of the European Union is now backing away from the agreement.

Israel

Inside UAE, Saudi roles in facilitating release of Brittney Griner

A high-level Gulf source with access to the details of the exchange told Al-Monitor that the exchange happened at a UAE airbase at 5:00 pm Abu Dhabi time (8:00 am ET).

Legacy: Gulf

Tunisia's election campaigning begins quietly as boycotts, apathy prevail

A dull atmosphere shrouds Tunisia’s legislative elections slated for Dec. 17 amidst a boycott announced by many political parties to protest President Kais Saied.

North Africa

Analysis

The Takeaway: Xi's Saudi Arabia trip sends a message to US

Plus, the Biden administration gears up for next week’s summit of African leaders and warns that Iran is still fueling Yemen’s war.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

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

TIME magazine names Iranian women ‘heroes of the year’

Iranian women are leading the protests in Iran that began after an Iranian Kurdish woman was allegedly beaten to death over her head covering.

Iran

Iran's government reaches out to Reformist party as protests continue

Iranian officials have reached out to Reformists in hopes of quelling the protests. 

Iran

More basketball teams from West Bank settlements enter Israel’s national league

The Israeli Basketball Association and the International Basketball Federation would rather avoid the delicate issue of settlement teams hosting games and playing in the Israel professional national league.

Israel

Turkey cautiously optimistic as US drops conditions for F-16 sales

Turkey's foreign minister has urged the swift finalization of the much-awaited sale, while Greek news outlets maintain the final text carried a warning to Turkey against violating Greek airspace.

Turkey