Druze education success story threatened by Israel’s political crisis Israeli Druze high-schoolers have excelled in matriculation exams since 2013. What’s their secret? Israel
Sudan’s military council revives disputed area with Cairo Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of state in Sudan's transitional government, has brought up once again the disputed Halayeb border area with Egypt at a time when relations between the two countries are witnessing rapprochement following the ouster of Omar al-Bashir. Egypt
Alleged sexual offenders face social media barrage in Egypt Despite rising online calls for sexual offenders to be held accountable for their crimes and a new amendment to the anti-sexual harassment law guaranteeing confidentiality of survivors, many women in Egypt are still reluctant to report sexual harassment incidents for fear of being stigmatized. Egypt
First commercial flight from Tel Aviv lands in Abu Dhabi El Al Flight 971 makes history, as first commercial flight from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi. United Arab Emirates
Lebanon-IMF talks make little progress despite bank collapse The Lebanese ruling elite is still bargaining over the economic reforms required by the International Monetary Fund, while the country’s economic situation continues to go downhill. Lebanon
Egypt sends signal to Turkey by deepening ties with Jordan, Iraq Amid accelerated regional threats and economic repercussions in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, a tripartite summit was held between the leaders of Egypt, Jordan and Iraq Aug. 25 to develop a security, diplomatic and economic bloc. Egypt
Jordan emphasizes economic benefits of ties with Egypt, Iraq While Jordan's King Abdullah focused on economic relations during the trilateral summit Aug. 25, the two-state solution to resolve the Palestinian issue and the recent Israel-UAE normalization agreement were also discussed by the three countries. Jordan
US government seizes control of websites allegedly involved in Iran-Venezuela oil deal The seizure follows the US interception of fuel tankers from Iran en route to Venezuela this month amid increased US pressure on both countries. United States
Report: US plans to freeze aid to Ethiopia amid Nile River dam dispute Foreign Policy reported the proposal by the US State Department could affect up to $130 million in aid as negotiations with Egypt and Sudan on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam continue. Egypt
First commercial flight from Israel to UAE follows historic deal The flight is a first step in a normalization process between the countries as an official signing of the agreement is expected next month. United Arab Emirates
Is Syria’s eastern front about to boil over? Another tough week for US-Turkey relations as Erdogan accuses US of "sick mentality." Syria
Turkish human rights lawyer dies after hunger strike Ebru Timtik died on the 238th day of her strike, which she launched to draw attention to what rights groups have described as an unfair trial. Turkey
Lebanon's central bank to take over banks that cannot boost capital The central bank is giving Lebanese banks until February to increase their capital by 20% or give their shares to the government amid fears that people's deposits are at risk. Lebanon
Intel: US plans to reduce troops in Iraq The Pentagon plans to reduce its current troop presence in Iraq by about one-third as President Donald Trump heads for November's vote on his reelection amid a campaign promise to end US military involvement in conflicts abroad. Iraq
Child dies in sectarian firefight near Beirut Hours of fighting in a town south of Beirut left at least two dead and several injured. Lebanon
Trump talks Israel-UAE deal, Biden’s Middle East record at last night of Republican convention The president slammed his Democratic rival for voting for the 2003 Iraq war, but there's no record Trump opposed the invasion at the time. United States
