Qatar’s prime minister meets US officials as Gaza plan stalls Sheikh Mohammed's visit comes as questions mount over Hamas' disarmament and the role of international troops in post-war Gaza. Qatar
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
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
Why interim government supports Hifter in Libya In an interview with Al-Monitor, the foreign minister of the interim Libyan government, Abdul Hadi al-Hweij, discusses what he sees as the international community’s perplexing stances toward Libyan groupings in addition to speaking about the battle for Tripoli and other developments in the Libyan arena. Libya
Iran says Mossad ‘fabricating intelligence’ on oil tanker attacks Iran’s foreign minister has condemned the UNSC meeting that will discuss UAE claims about oil tanker attacks. Saudi Arabia
Tunisia frees UN expert but 'battle has only just begun' Theories abound as to why the Tunisian government has charged Moncef Kartas with espionage, but new information regarding similar charges against his fixer shed light on the true nature of the flimsy case against Kartas. Libya
UN demands release of UN expert from ‘illegal detention’ in Tunisia UN expert Moncef Kartas, who is being detained in Tunisia, was charged with treason and espionage and could face the death sentence if found guilty, prompting the UN to call for his release. Tunisia
Russia, UN eye benefits of partnering in post-war Syria The challenges of rebuilding Syria could bring Moscow and the United Nations closer for cooperation on virtually all critical issues. Syria
Zarif reshuffles key envoys in push for active diplomacy In an effort seemingly meant to step up diplomacy, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has reshuffled key ambassadors, signaling plans for a more active engagement with the world. Iran
US fears aid cuts to PA will undermine security of Israel There are reports that Israel and the United States are working to resume aid to Palestinian security agencies as they fear the funding cuts might affect security coordination. Palestine
Hamas leader presents 3 options for Gaza Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar reportedly proposed three scenarios to change the deteriorating situation in Gaza, including allowing the UN or Egypt to deploy in the besieged enclave. Originals
Trump buries the hatchet with Erdogan over Syria The US troop withdrawal could also lead to a return of the 'art of the deal' with Putin. Israel
Iran says missile tests do not violate UN resolution Iran has denied it violated a UN resolution and said that missile tests would continue. United States
UN gives thumbs-up for Palestine to lead Group of 77 The UN General Assembly is granting Palestine additional membership rights during its one-year chairmanship of the Group of 77. Palestine
