Al-Monitor Daily Briefing: Can Trump secure release of all US hostages in Iran?

If you have trouble reading this email, [view it in a browser](. [logo]( [fb_icon]( [twitter_icon]( EDITOR'S PICKS Monday, June 22 | Daily Briefing [By: Mark Fitzpatrick on Friday, Jun. 19, 2020]( 1 [Can Trump secure release of all US hostages in Iran?]( Another prisoner exchange between Iran and the United States seems possible after two in just six months, but the previous exchanges have not generated any mutual trust. North Africa 2 [How Libya’s war is poisoning Tunisia’s politics]( The war in neighboring Libya has further polarized Tunisia's political landscape and imperiled the country’s fragile governing coalition. Israel 3 [Chief rabbi of Iran: Israel does not represent Judaism]( In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Rabbi Yehuda Garami, chief rabbi of the Jewish community in Iran, explains about their daily lives and why he paid a condolence visit to the family of assassinated Gen. Qasem Soleimani. Israel 4 [Israeli security chiefs warn that annexation could ignite the West Bank]( Israel’s security chiefs are presenting the political echelons all the options and grim scenarios of what could happen if annexation takes place. Washington 5 [How the Engel, Omar primaries became proxy wars over Israel]( House Foreign Affairs Chairman Eliot Engel and freshman Ilhan Omar are fending off Democratic primary challengers backed by the pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel wings of the party. Israel 6 [Honoring Pride week, Tel Aviv recognizes same-sex couples]( Tel Aviv-Jaffa Mayor Ron Huldai announced that same-sex couples will enjoy similar municipal benefits to those enjoyed by married couples. Turkey 7 [Sexual threat against HDP leader’s wife backfires as Turks rally around women]( A threatening tweet against a jailed Kurdish opposition leader’s wife has Turkey up in arms against the patriarchal mindset that threatens women with sexual violence. Israel 8 [Players of Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer club involved in sex scandal]( When two players of the Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer club were suspected of sexual relations with minors, club owner Mitchell Goldhar made it clear this was intolerable on all levels. Turkey 9 [Why is Sirte everyone’s ‘red line’ in Libya?]( Libya’s coastal city of Sirte, a strategic gateway to major oil facilities, has emerged as a critical point of contention between Turkey and Russia, with France also scrambling to impede Turkey via NATO. 10 [Turkish NBA player's father acquitted of terrorism charges in Turkey]( Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter is an outspoken critic of the Turkish government, which has led to trouble for his family back home. Gulf 11 [Saudi Arabia to reopen Mecca mosques as cases surpass 150,000]( Saudi health officials confirmed an additional 4,301 cases of the virus Friday, raising the case count to more than 150,000. 12 [UN nuclear watchdog urges Iran to allow inspections of old sites]( The watchdog agency's board hadn't issued a formal rebuke of Iran since 2012. Israel 13 [Netanyahu considers fourth elections, but ultra-Orthodox object]( Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might be considering going to fourth elections, but his ultra-Orthodox allies won’t hear of that. Culture 14 [Egypt’s top fatwa authority raises controversy after describing Ottoman control of Constantinople as 'occupation']( Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta described the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople as an invasion, raising controversy in Turkey and among critics who believe religious authorities should not get involved in politics. 15 [Egypt calls emergency Arab League meeting on Libya]( The meeting is expected to be held next week to discuss recent developments in the Libyan conflict. STAY CONNECTED [fb_icon_footer]( [twitter_icon_footer]( [instagram_icon_footer]( [rss_icon_footer]( CONTACT US [Support & Contact]( [Advertise](mailto:advertise@al-monitor.com) NEWSLETTERS [Subscribe]( TERMS OF USE [Visitor Agreement]( [Privacy Policy]( © 2020 Al-Monitor. All Rights Reserved. If you no longer wish to receive these emails you may [unsubscribe or manage your preferences]( at any time. Al-Monitor · 1850 K St NW · Suite 1225 · Washington, DC 20006 · USA