Interview UAE official says opening Hormuz integral to any Iran deal, describes infrastructure damage 'manageable' Abdulla Balalaa, UAE assistant minister of foreign affairs for energy and sustainability, spoke to Al-Monitor about the situation in the Gulf along with the UAE's focus on promoting privatization in the water sector and the 2026 UN Water Conference.
Oil fires, toxic air and water risks: Environmental cost of Iran war expands to region The bombing of oil facilities in Iran and critical water infrastructure in the Gulf threatens the Middle East with long-lasting environmental destruction, as have similar tactics employed in previous conflicts. Iran
Storm Leonardo displaces 140,000 as heavy floods hit northern Morocco Heavy rains from the storm have flooded northern Morocco, prompting mass evacuations and straining emergency services. Morocco
Analysis Iran’s mismanagement in focus as fires ravage 25-million-year-old forests Prolonged wildfires are raging across Iran's northern Hyrcanian forests, highlighting mismanagement, insufficient resources and climate stress, and forcing volunteers and foreign aid to intervene. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
‘Dragon storm’ batters Egypt with torrential rains, killing nearly 20 The intense storm comes as the country struggles to contain a coronavirus outbreak within its borders. Egypt
UAE shows path for peaceful nuclear development Fuel assemblies have been loaded into the first of four UAE nuclear power plants following the country's yearslong effort to develop major national and international support for nuclear energy. United Arab Emirates
Coronavirus oblivious to Israeli, Palestinian borders The necessity of cooperating against the novel coronavirus should encourage Israeli and Palestinian authorities to also work together on day-to-day issues, such as water and air pollution. Palestine
Palestinian activists seek climate justice under occupation Although climate change is affecting the whole region, it seems Palestine is more vulnerable due to the political situation and Israeli policies against the Palestinians. Palestine
Despite US efforts, Ethiopia-Egypt dam spat holds strong A meeting in Washington produced agreement on some items to be included in a final accord to fill and operate the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, but failed to resolve significant, long-standing sticking points between Egypt and Ethiopia. Egypt
Potential oil spill disaster looms off Yemen's coast, but who’s to blame? Calls are rising to separate the politics of the military conflict in Yemen from the issue of an abandoned oil tanker in the Red Sea, in light of a looming ecological disaster that could affect the entire region. Saudi Arabia
Why Turkish government turned a blind eye to draining, excavation of Ice Age lake Turkish authorities allowed an excavation and draining of the 12,000-year-old Fathomless Lake in pursuit of a rumor that there was Roman treasure on the lake bottom. The lake was drained, revealing no treasure. Turkey
Ottoman 'city of princes' ready-made for the Instagram age Referred to as the "city of princes" for once being a training ground for future sultans, Amasya is attracting tourists with its rich history, museums and natural beauty. Turkey
Painting the town: How Kais Saied inspires change on Tunisian streets A wave of citizen-led civic campaigns is transforming the Tunisian landscape as youths inspired by the recent election of Kais Saied to be president take on some of the country’s urban woes. Tunisia
Why Lebanon’s wildfires risk is becoming more common Lebanon’s recent forest fires have raised concern about the ability to respond to extreme weather events as a result of climate change. Lebanon
How much will it cost for Lebanon to reforest after wildfires? Lebanon’s Civil Defense fought, with limited resources, a series of wildfires that ravaged the country. Lebanon
Locals lobby to keep their valley green in South Lebanon The residents of Wadi Zibqine struggle to keep a road from destroying one of the last green spots in South Lebanon. Lebanon
