Turkey expels Dutch journalist, accuses her of terror links Reporter Ans Boerma, who covered the Turkish economy, was suddenly deported after Ankara said it was alerted by Dutch intelligence she was suspected of links with a Syrian militant group in a case that highlights the hazards of reporting far from home. Turkey
Can Iranian sovereign crypto-rial loosen sanctions straitjacket? The United States is gearing up to sanction Iran’s sovereign cryptocurrency in anticipation of its introduction. Russia
IRGC head vows to protect military advisers in Syria The head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has responded to comments by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about successful Israeli strikes in Syria. Israel
Afcon soccer tourney gives Egypt chance for glory both on, off field Egypt is getting only a small amount of time to prepare for Afcon 2019, but the major soccer tournament could pay off big time. Egypt
Cairo museum displays Egypt’s ancient Coptic textiles The Egyptian Textile Museum’s latest exhibition, "God is Love," offers several rare early Coptic textiles just in time for Coptic Christmas. Egypt
Assad’s reconciliation with Arab world could upend Turkey’s plans As Arab states warm toward Syria, Ankara might end up facing an anti-Turkish Arab bloc that could complicate its planned operations in northern Syria. Syria
Najaf Shiites launch solidarity initiative with Sunni areas Religious figures from Najaf have developed an initiative for dialogue and cooperation with the Sunni provinces liberated from Islamic State. Iraq
Will nature reserves law finally see the light in Egypt? The Egyptian parliament is set to discuss and approve a draft law on the Economic Commission of Nature Reserves in a bid to encourage tourism and manage investments in such reserves. Egypt
Is Israel spying on its visitors? Foreign visitors attending conferences in Israel are being asked to complete a form accounting for their free time and the names and phone numbers of the people with whom they expect to have contact. Israel
Jerusalem tensions rise without security coordination The lack of coordination between Israelis and Palestinians at Al-Aqsa Mosque is threatening to dial up tensions at the disputed site. Palestine
Expect trade activity boost between Egypt, Gaza Strip Egypt and Hamas are exploring trade options, including a new border crossing, that would skirt Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Palestine
Israel’s nationality law takes over election campaign The courageous statement by former IDF Chief Benny Gantz about amending the nationality law brought the issue back to the public agenda and to the election campaign. Israel
Netanyahu’s bravado endangers Israel Ahead of the April elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has broken away from Israel’s traditional policy of ambiguity on military operations in neighboring countries, but his credit-taking could endanger Israeli lives. Israel
Pentagon warns Middle East turning to China for drone needs The Pentagon’s in-house intelligence agency says that China is cornering the market on armed drone sales to the Middle East as the United States is stifled by export rules. Gulf
Turkey, US discuss Syria buffer zone as Manbij attack kills American troops Russia's foreign minister calls for Syrian control of areas after US withdrawal; IS suicide bomber kills 16 in Manbij; more worries expressed about election fairness in Turkey. Syria
