Egypt hopes high rainfall will lessen impact of Ethiopia's third filling of Nile Dam

Despite high rainfall rates registered in the Ethiopian plateau, Egypt remains on high alert amid the completion of the third filling of Ethiopia’s controversial Nile dam.

Egypt

Tehran urges US to immediately release jailed Iranians  

Iran's demand came as expectations were growing for a prisoner swap alongside an EU-mediated possible agreement on reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.  

Iran

UN, Turkey and Ukraine discuss grain exports, nuclear safety  

Turkey and Ukraine sign a memorandum of understanding on reconstruction of Ukrainian infrastructure destroyed by war. 

Turkey

Turkey grapples with policy change on Syria 

Ankara's complex ties with Moscow, the political cost of Syrian refugees and looming elections are all dictating dialogue with Damascus on Ankara, but it has yet to come up with a plan to proceed.

Turkey

Leaking tankers threaten health, livelihoods along Yemen's coast

A series of recent pollution incidents in the port of Aden has brought newfound urgency to addressing the hazardous vessels.

Legacy: Gulf

Israel, Turkey to reappoint ambassadors, opening new chapter in relations

After 20 months of courtship, Jerusalem now believes Ankara and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are sincere in their efforts to rehabilitate bilateral ties.

Israel

Qatar boosts drone defenses ahead of FIFA World Cup

Several NATO nations will contribute personnel, hardware and technology to keep the soccer tournament safe from drones and other threats, while also building Qatar's own capabilities.

Legacy: Gulf

Turkey completes more than 62,000 homes in Idlib, but will refugees return home?

Syrian refugees fear that the Turkish government will go ahead with its plan to deport them to northwest Syria.

Syria

Palestinians claim social media crackdown following latest Gaza war

A fierce attack has been launched on Palestinian social media content, as dozens of accounts of Palestinian activists, journalists and media institutions have been restricted and deleted in the past year and after the latest Israeli war on Gaza.

Palestine

Analysis

The Takeaway: Iran deal may come too late to stave off energy crisis in Europe 

Turkey’s mysterious foreign currency; Israel and Russia; Islamic Jihad says Tel Aviv reneges on truce; Palestinian activists claim social media crackdown; Iraq’s Coordination Framework. 

By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn

Kadhimi hosts national dialogue of Iraqi leaders to end political deadlock

Iraqi political leaders joined today to discuss a roadmap for ending current political crisis, as part of an initiative for national dialogue, with all major parties except the Sadrists represented.

Iraq

Turkey, Israel to dispatch ambassadors in diplomatic renewal 

Israeli Prime Minister Lapid and Turkish President Erdogan agree on phone that the decision to return ambassadors and consuls general to Israel and Turkey will lead to new steps, including the upcoming convening of the Joint Economic Commission in Israel in September.

Turkey