Algeria calls on France to reckon with colonial past as BLM rocks globe As the Black Lives Matter movement demonstrations continue, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has demanded an apology from France for its treatment of Algerians under 132 years of French occupation. Algeria
Intel: US lawmakers tussle over key condition on restoring Palestinian aid Democrats and Republicans clashed today over a newly proposed restriction on Palestinian assistance in this year’s foreign aid spending bill — the latest chapter in the struggle to resume economic support for the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Palestine
What would President Kanye West's Middle East policy be? Rapper Kanye West has yet to develop a foreign policy platform for his announced presidential candidacy, but his past lyrics, tweets and travels may reveal some of his views. Iraq
Turkish lawyers protest as parliament debates bar association bill As Turkey’s parliament debates a controversial proposal to weaken the influence of established bar associations, lawyers are protesting in the nation’s major cities. Turkey
US CENTCOM commander discusses security ties in visit to Iraq The visit of US Central Command Gen. Frank McKenzie to Baghdad this week comes as the United States restructures and consolidates force posture while bringing in more NATO advisers. Iraq
Second fireworks explosion in a week kills police in Turkey Thursday's blast followed a massive fireworks explosion at the same factory last week in the northwest. Turkey
Turkey expels Protestant missionaries for 'threatening public order' The Turkish Protestant community is witnessing a purge as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government turns up pressure against the church. Turkey
Nine Iranian MPs test positive for coronavirus Iran has continued to see a rise in coronavirus-related deaths as the virus spreads across provinces. Iran
Why is France a useful adversary for Turkey? Although France has the means to hamper Turkey, both in the European Union and Africa, its current strategy often plays into Turkey’s hands, as evidenced by its recent failure to squeeze Turkey through a NATO probe. Turkey
Emirates resumes more international flights as restrictions ease The addition of flights to Los Angeles, Dar es Salaam and other destinations follows the resumption of tourism to Dubai. United Arab Emirates
Israeli army hit hard by coronavirus The second wave of the novel coronavirus is affecting the IDF, which has ordered 10,000 soldiers into quarantine. Israel
Israel’s middle class sags as aid package delayed Young Israelis and the country's middle class are facing the biggest economic crisis Israel has ever experienced as the pandemic's second wave crashes. Israel
UAE residents opt for staycations amid COVID-19 crisis Hotels in the United Arab Emirates are one by one reopening across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, with numerous money-saving staycation options. United Arab Emirates
Egyptian women call out accused rapist, demand change The arrest of an accused serial rapist and sexual harasser in Egypt has rekindled public discussion about sexual harassment and abuse after many women shared their stories of the man over social media. Egypt
Israel, UAE test potential for cooperation on COVID-19 The agreement signed between the United Arab Emirates' Group 42 and Israel’s IAI and Rafael companies offers a glimpse of the potential for cooperation -- if not deterred by annexation. United Arab Emirates
The Takeaway: US envoy: Iran ‘missing good opportunities’ to talk with Washington Highlights: Hook says there is no national security argument for letting UN arms embargo on Iran expire; Bibi goes for broke on Iran; Iraqi PM vows to bring Hashemi’s killers to justice; Baalbeck Festival offers inspiration to Lebanon. Originals