Qatari investments continued in Egypt despite political tensions The Qatari Diar Company managed to open the St. Regis Hotel on the banks of the Nile River in Cairo, but the future of Qatari investments in the Egyptian market seems to be marred by tensions between the two countries. Qatar
The Takeaway: Are Syria, Turkey and HTS preparing for final battle in Idlib? The last stronghold of armed groups anticipates a showdown with Russian-backed Syrian forces, as Idlib’s citizens pay a terrible price; my podcast conversation with Sultan Al-Qassemi on Arab art! Originals
Yazidi activist Nadia Murad to appear on 'The Daily Show' Murad's appearance on the popular US talk and news satire show could showcase her efforts to combat sexual violence and trafficking to a new and big audience. Iraq
‘I still wake up at night’: Syrian men and transgender rape survivors struggle in Lebanon LGBT survivors of sexual violence told Human Rights Watch that accessing services for their physical and psychological trauma is a challenge in Lebanon. Syria
Pilgrims wear masks, socially distance during Hajj Saudi authorities instituted several health measures for this year's Islamic pilgrimage, and the number of attendees was greatly reduced. Originals
Will there be a new military confrontation in Syria’s Idlib? The possibility of renewed conflict continues to simmer in the war-torn province of Idlib months after Ankara and Moscow reached a cease-fire agreement. Syria
Israel’s Foreign Ministry officially back in business Something good is happening with Israel’s Foreign Ministry, as vacant positions are being filled and a spirit of projects advancing is filling the corridors. Israel
Rouhani slams US ‘aerial terrorism’ after Iran plane interception The US interception of an Iranian civilian aircraft over Syrian skies has set off yet another escalatory episode in the rivalry between Tehran and Washington over influence in the Middle East. United States
Turkish gas exploration to continue in Cypriot waters as Ankara, Athens discuss Shortly after pausing gas-exploration activities near Greek islands to facilitate Ankara-Athens negotiations on disputed maritime boundaries, Turkey sent a NAVTEX message indicating another research vessel would seek gas near Cyprus. Turkey
Intel: Turkish defense minister asks Congress to halt bill sanctioning Ankara Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar asked US lawmakers today to abandon legislation that would sanction Ankara over its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system that the House passed last week. Turkey
Yemen’s southern separatists abandon self-rule to pursue power-sharing plan The news comes three months after the Southern Transitional Council announced self-rule in parts of southern Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Iran launches first underground missile during US-focused drill The launch follows an Iranian exercise targeting a mock US aircraft carrier yesterday. Iran
Israeli protesters attacked again in Tel Aviv President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Yair Lapid have all condemned yesterday's violence against anti-government demonstrators. Israel
Hagia Sophia is open for prayers, but not to Kurds The Turkish government has deliberately excluded the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party from political and symbolic events ever since July 2015. This has not destroyed Turkey’s third-largest party, but it has contributed to the rise of Kurdophobia. Turkey
Destruction of historical tombs raises controversy in Egypt Architects and archaeologists in Egypt are angered by the demolition of the Tombs of the Mamluks in Cairo to establish a road project. Egypt
