Culture Egypt’s koshary, Gulf’s bisht gain UNESCO recognition The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has added more than 10 cultural practices from across the Middle East and North Africa region this year. Egypt
Barham Salih slated to become first Kurd and Iraqi to lead UNHCR Barham Salih — former Iraqi president of Iraq and widely respected politician in Washington — has been formally nominated to become the next UN high commissioner for refugees. Iraq
Interview UNRWA plans Turkey office to boost Gaza, Syria aid as pledges dip Speaking exclusively to Al-Monitor, UNRWA’s Tamara Alrifai said the upcoming Turkey office would help the agency to expand its operations not only in Gaza but also in Syria. Tamara Alrifai
Iran stops IAEA inspections following UN watchdog's reprimand The IAEA Board of Governors approved a resolution on Thursday demanding Iran provide access to attacked nuclear facilities and information on its uranium stockpiles. Iran
Exclusive US pushes UN vote to revoke Sharaa sanctions before White House visit By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Killings on the rise in Syria's al-Hol camp There were far more deaths than usual in the camp for Islamic State families in January amid calls from the United Nations and Kurdish forces for countries to take back their citizens. Syria
Biden's UN pick passes through Senate Foreign Relations Committee The top Democrat on the committee said he trusts Linda Thomas-Greenfield on Iran and Israel, but his Republican counterparts were more critical. Originals
Timur Goksel, former Al-Monitor editor and UN diplomat, dies Timur Goksel, a former UN diplomat and editor of Al-Monitor’s Turkey Pulse, was best known for his unique contributions to the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. Lebanon
Biden names Samantha Power as nominee for USAID chief The former journalist and UN ambassador has spent her career advocating for human rights around the globe. United States
UN agency for Palestinian refugees runs out of money to pay salaries The announcement comes as the UN body is strained with increased demands and still reeling from a total funding withdrawal imposed by the Trump administration. Israel
No more UN embargo on Iran, but no arms sales either Anyone who might seek to sell arms to Iran is likely in a holding pattern to see what happens in the US election and to see what Iran, in dire economic straits, can afford. United States
Hundreds of European Union lawmakers demand Egypt’s Sisi release political prisoners The letter follows a similar one addressed to Sisi by 56 members of the US Congress on Monday. Egypt
Libya detains alleged human trafficker sanctioned by UN The United Nations imposed sanctions on Abd al-Rahman al-Milad, a former Libyan coast guard commander, in 2018. Libya
Netanyahu and Nasrallah at a standoff Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched another verbal confrontation against Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, but is unlikely to opt for a preemptive strike on Hezbollah missiles. Israel
UAE begins bid for UN Security Council seat The Gulf country is seeking to become a nonpermanent member of the United Nations body for the 2022-2023 term. Originals
Senate Democrats say Trump administration policy has empowered Iran The State Department also announced new sanctions on Iran including on the judge who purportedly ordered the execution of famed wrestler Navid Afkari. Congress
Rouhani says Iran isn’t a ‘bargaining chip’ in US elections Iran's president told the UN General Assembly that any future administration must "surrender" to Iran. Iran
