Why did Israeli singer Yuval Dayan refuse to shake Biden’s hand?

The religious Jewish singer declined the US president's outstretched hand during his visit to Israel, but she did not mean to offend him.

By AL-MONITOR Staff

Tehran slams Sweden over 'political' verdict against ex-official

Already holding two Swedish nationals on death row, Iran warned that the verdict by a Stockholm court could harm bilateral ties.

Iran

Turkish extradition requests often disregarded by Western allies 

Ankara has long viewed foreign courts’ refusal to repatriate suspects as a sign of obstruction by their governments, but the West looks askance at the Turkish judicial system.

Turkey

Israel, US, India, UAE hold virtual summit on food security, clean energy

During US President Joe Biden's trip to Israel, the leaders the two countries met virtually with those of India and the United Arab Emirates to discuss food security and clean energy.

Israel

Biden, Lapid sign Jerusalem Declaration

While the document lays out a platform for continued US-Israeli cooperation, there are still signs the two are divided on diplomacy with Tehran.

Israel

Egyptian tourists unwelcome in south Sinai as Israelis visit in droves

Israeli tourists are flocking to south Sinai while Egyptians are being forced to turn back, in violation of the law and the constitution.

Egypt

Is Syrian government withdrawing from Tal Rifaat in favor of Turkey?

FSA forces are carrying out military maneuvers in preparation for the battle against Kurdish forces in Tal Rifaat, while Turkey is bringing in more reinforcements.

Syria

Ukraine, Russia grain talks in Turkey stir optimism as UN voices caution

Turkey’s defense chief has announced Russia and Ukraine are set to sign an understanding over a series of “fundamental technical” issues that the warring parties agreed on during today’s talk in Istanbul.

Turkey

Analysis

The Takeaway: Biden opens ‘new chapter’ with Middle East trip 

Energy company touts oil for food for Syria; Ukraine’s ambassador in Turkey talks Russia; Iran’s unprecedented inflation; oil stoves make comeback in Lebanon; Sudanese civilians skeptical of moves by military leaders; and more.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Andrew Parasiliti

Turkey’s ruling party members stick with Erdogan

Despite growing public discontent, senior members of Turkey's ruling party stick with President Erdogan.

Turkey

Iraqi prime minister sets objectives for regional summit

Amid longstanding political deadlock and economic and environmental challenges, Iraqi prime minister Mustafa Kadhimi is attending the GCC +3 Summit in Saudi Arabia.

Iraq

Murder of Turkish doctor spurs rage against Turkey’s beleaguered health sector 

The brutal shooting of a cardiologist in a conservative central Anatolian city has pitted the health sector not only against the government but also the General Directorate of Religious Affairs. 

Turkey