Syria: Seige persists in Aleppo’s Kurdish enclaves despite SDF-Damascus truce Tensions are rising over plans to integrate the Kurdish-led SDF into the new Syrian military amid clashes between government-affiliated and Kurdish forces in Syria’s largest city. Syria
Grenade attack on IRGC kills 2 in Iran’s Kurdistan province: What to know The deadly assault comes amid recurring tensions and clashes in Iran’s Kurdish-majority western region. Iran
In a first, ICC convicts Sudanese militia leader of Darfur war crimes Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman was found guilty of 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur between 2003 and 2004. Sudan
Syria's parliamentary elections: First Jewish candidate in 58 years enters race Syria is holding its first parliamentary elections since the fall of the Assad regime, with a Jewish candidate running for the first time in decades in a vote conducted largely through indirect selection rather than a direct public ballot. Syria
Dubai to open first Hindu temple The first independent Hindu temple in Dubai will open in October to serve the 1.4 million Hindus residing in the United Arab Emirates. Legacy: Gulf
Cash-strapped Lebanese turn to online civil marriages Najwa Sbeity and Omar Abdel Baki's civil wedding ceremony that they held online went viral, enticing more people to opt for this option despite the religious backlash and bureaucratic difficulties. Lebanon
Abbas’ Holocaust remark stirs anger in Israel, Germany Israeli leaders are furious with remarks made by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas belittling the Holocaust, and on German soil of all places. Israel
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
On lightning vacations, Ultra-Orthodox pour onto segregated Israeli beaches Israel's ultra-Orthodox have only three weeks of yeshiva break, and they take their brief summer vacation very seriously. Israel
Iraq to hold interfaith dialogue with Vatican participation Iraq has launched a new round of interfaith dialogues in the wake of achievements related to tolerance and the recognition of others. Iraq
Suicide attack thwarted as Iraqi Shiites celebrate Ashura While the history of al-Qaeda in Iraq and the Islamic State continue to haunt Iraq, the start of the annual Shiite religious mourning celebration was largely uneventful — though Diyala province remains problematic. Iraq
Analysis The Takeaway: Iran deal’s fate could again hinge on IAEA probe Hamas sits out Gaza war; Israel pursues Islamic Jihad in West Bank; Gaza’s eroding beaches; Turkey’s Alevis fear attacks; Iran trains Russians on drones. By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Andrew Parasiliti
Attacks on Alevi places of worship rattle Turkey The AKP government, which faces an uphill battle to mend ties with the Alevi community ahead of next year’s elections, pledges to bring culprits to justice. Turkey
Israel's ultra-Orthodox entrepreneurs ignore internet taboos The leadership of the ultra-Orthodox communities in Israel are against the internet, but more and more ultra-Orthodox businesses find ways to be part of the digital arena. Israel
Syrian jihadi leader Golani meets with Idlib’s Christians Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani met with Christians as part of efforts to reshape the terrorist group's image. Syria
Israeli ultra-Orthodox divided over studying math, English Some ultra-Orthodox parents are now rejecting the longstanding stance of their leaders against teaching math and English in ultra-Orthodox schools. Israel
