Remote learning widens educational gap between Turkey’s rich, poor Millions of students in Turkey have been effectively left out of remote learning by a lack of resources. Turkey
As China-Iran talks continue, Beijing keeps up outreach to Gulf While Iran and China are still working to finalize a 25-year strategic partnership plan, Chinese officials continue to expand bilateral ties with the Gulf, something that could have unexpected implications for Iran-GCC ties. United Arab Emirates
Iranians tune in as Trump, Biden duel in separate town halls Iranians are paying close attention to the US presidential race, devouring constant media coverage and analysis. Iran
Virus may restrict first UAE visit to Israeli airport COVID-19 concerns may keep Emirati diplomats in the airport during their first official visit to Israel, which is experiencing an outbreak. United Arab Emirates
France’s Sarkozy charged in Libya campaign funding probe Prosecutors are investigating whether the former French president received illegal campaign financing from Moammar Gadhafi's regime. Libya
US drone strike kills two suspected al-Qaeda officials in Idlib The strike is believed to have killed a former member of Huras al-Din's Shura Council and a security official. Syria
Turkish boozers resist alcohol restrictions — sometimes at deadly risk An avalanche of taxes has made raki, Turkey’s national drink, a luxury product, fueling the proliferation of bootleg liquor with deadly consequences. Turkey
Pompeo hopes Armenia can 'defend' itself from Azerbaijan Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also said that Turkey was increasing the risk of more bloodshed. Turkey
Intel: Missile launched on Turkey's Black Sea coast after notice of S-400 test Turkey's Defense Ministry has not publicly confirmed if the missile was part of planned tests of the Russian-built air defense system. Turkey
Biden slams Trump's Iran policy at town hall The Democratic presidential candidate also praised Trump's work on the UAE-Israel deal. Israel
Iraqi cleric pushes for elections, new social contract, in support of prime minister Iraqi cleric Ammar al-Hakim, the head of Iraqioun parliamentary bloc and Hikma movement, is seeking to chart a nonsectarian alternative to the existing political structure. Iraq
Netanyahu off the hook on submarine affair Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can breathe easier now that the attorney general has decided not to investigate him in the submarine affair nor in the stock-share dealing case. Israel
Are Egypt-Russia naval drills in Black Sea message to Ankara? For the first time, the Egyptian navy holds joint exercises in the Black Sea with Russia, at a time of escalating tensions with Turkey. Egypt
Palestinian officials hopeful for Biden victory, public not so much The Palestinian leadership believes that the victory of Democratic candidate Joe Biden in the US presidential election may restore the Palestinian-US relationship, though Palestinians in general are not optimistic about a change in US policy if Biden wins. Originals
Ahead of presidential elections, Israelis cheering for Trump Israelis love US President Donald Trump — not only for his diplomatic gestures toward the country, but also for his informal, blunt style. Israel
Knesset approves UAE deal with overwhelming majority Eighty parliamentarians voted last night in favor of the normalization deal with the United Arab Emirates, signed on Oct. 15 at the White House in Washington. Israel
