Newsletter: Turkey Turkey's Mecca Pact strategy By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Tunisia’s water, power crisis fuels growing protests against Saied: What to know A utility crisis is giving momentum to opposition forces challenging Saied’s grip on power. Tunisia
Iraq’s Zaidi doubles down on militia disarmament, boosting oil exports Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi made the comments amid Hormuz-related export struggles and a nearing deadline for armed groups to disarm. Iraq
Analysis Israel fears Turkey’s Syria ambitions and doubts Trump will stop them Israeli officials remain skeptical of Turkish and Syrian denials over Ankara’s military ambitions in Syria, warning that a deeper Turkish foothold could threaten Israel’s security and strain its ties with Washington. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran threatens ‘devastating’ response as US ramps up sanctions By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
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
Ultra-nationalist lawmaker ramps up ahead of Israeli elections Head of the far-right Otzma Yehudit faction Itamar Ben Gvir says he no longer needs the Religious Zionism party as an ally to get into the Knesset. Israel
Saudi authorities find amphetamine pills in cleaning supplies Smugglers continue to use creative methods to bring drugs into the kingdom, which struggles with amphetamine addiction. Legacy: Gulf
Golf commentator who criticized Saudi-backed LIV Golf sued for defamation The Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee has been one of the most virulent critics of LIV Golf and is now being sued by Patrick Reed, who plays for the breakaway tour. Saudi Arabia
Third filling of Nile dam heightens Ethiopia-Egypt crisis Ethiopia announced it has completed the third filling of the reservoir for its controversial dam on the Blue Nile, amid harsh reactions from its neighbors. Egypt
Islamic Jihad says Israel reneges on ceasefire terms, threatens escalation The Gaza-based group expects the release of prisoners, and calls on Egypt to clarify agreement. Palestine
Iraqi finance minister resigns over continuing political crisis Finance Minister Ali Abdul-Amir Allawi has resigned from his post in the Iraqi government. Iraq
'Normalization' with Assad is the new normal in Turkey Comments by Turkey's foreign minister hinting at normalization with Damascus drove hundreds of Syrians across Turkish-occupied areas of northern Syria to stage demonstrations. Turkey
US base in Syria targeted with rocket fire, coalition says Rockets landed near the Green Village base, marking the second projectile attack on US forces in Syria on Monday. Syria
In rare move, Israeli ultra-Orthodox establish West Bank outpost For the first time, ultra-Orthodox families established yesterday an illegal West Bank outpost. Israel