Saudi prince rattles Palestinian leaders in televised critique Former Saudi Ambassador to the United States Bandar Bin Sultan called for a new Palestinian leadership in the first two parts of an interview whose final portion has yet to air. Saudi Arabia
Attacks, 'unjustified' arrests mar security in southern Kirkuk Security forces continue to be targeted in rural areas of Iraq’s Kirkuk region as locals complain of "unjustified" arrests and yet another alleged Islamic State "mufti" has been caught amid scant reporting on the ground. Iraq
Nile cruises navigate river of challenges Following a monthslong hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, cruises on the Nile River have resumed, despite some challenges to the tourism sector in Egypt. Egypt
Christians make strong showing in Egyptian Parliament More Christian candidates are running in this year’s parliamentary elections in Egypt. Egypt
How Egypt perceives Ethiopia’s ban of flights over Nile dam Ethiopia has decided to ban flying over the Renaissance Dam that it is building on the Blue Nile in a move thought to deepen the years-old conflict. Egypt
Turkish music sector in hot water due to pandemic, arbitrary restrictions The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on Turkey's music industry that is already experiencing tough times due to a ban on alcohol advertising that has prevented companies from sponsoring events and festivals with their brand names. Turkey
Will Juba Agreement achieve peace in Sudan? In a joyful atmosphere and with regional and international participation, the Juba peace agreement was finally signed between Sudan and a number of armed factions at Freedom Square in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. Sudan
Why Erdogan's so eager to see Cypriot ghost town reopen The abrupt decision to partially reopen a Cypriot resort sealed off for more than four decades was a clear attempt by Ankara to influence the Turkish Cypriot presidential polls and alter settlement parameters in long-divided Cyprus. Turkey
Weary of Netanyahu, Benny Gantz delivers last ultimatum Having lost all trust in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Benny Gantz has now delivered an ultimatum on the 2021 state budget. Israel
Kurdish news outlet linked to opposition party remains closed in Iraq The Kurdistan Regional Government says NRT's coverage of protests encouraged people to violate anti-coronavirus measures, but journalists say the closure is a violation of press freedom. Iraq
Jordan enters a new 48-hour nationwide curfew The country of some 10 million people nearly doubled its total of coronavirus cases in the space of a week. Jordan
US government sanctions 18 Iranian banks New sanctions imposed by the US Treasury Department aim to deny the Iranian government funding. Iran says the move will hurt its ability to pay for medicine and food. Iran
North Cyprus reopens contentious ghost town with Turkish support Days before Northern Cyprus holds elections, Ankara backed the reopening of a ghost town in the island’s green zone in a polarizing move that could influence voter turnout. Turkey
What’s next for Erdogan after eastern Mediterranean and Caucasus? Turkey's involvement in the South Caucasus conflict and decision to test the S-400 missile system show that Erdogan is continuing to embark on new adventures despite his recent failure in the eastern Mediterranean. Turkey
US government announces seizure of 92 Iran-linked websites The US seizure of the news sites allegedly connected to the Iranian government came before new US sanctions on Iranian banks. United States
Qatar Airways adds San Francisco flight The US city is a new destination for the Doha-based airline, showing its ability to expand beyond its pre-pandemic network. Originals
