Syrian journalists in Idlib face crackdown from jihadist-affiliated government The government affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Syria has decreed that journalists can’t work in their areas of control without a permit. Syria
Jordan cracks down on racketeers following maiming of teenager In an unprecedented move, Jordan's Public Security Department has launched a coordinated wave of arrests of those suspected of racketeering, bullying and repeat offenses, following the attack on a Jordanian teenager in the city of Zarqa that left him with amputated hands and a gouged eye. Jordan
Sisi appoints Salafist party members to Egyptian Senate Although the Salafist Nour party failed to secure any seats in the Senate, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi decided to appoint two party representatives to the Senate. Egypt
Iraqi Sunni politicians organize a new political front Dozens of Iraqi Sunni lawmakers have met to discuss forming a new alliance after eight youths were killed with alleged involvement by Shiite-led factions in Salahuddin province. Iraq
Can Gulf states adopt universal basic income? Existing social welfare systems have insulated Gulf nationals from changing economic realities and the likelihood of a major global energy transition in the coming decades. Gulf
Israel preoccupied with domestic ills as ties warm with Khartoum Israel and Sudan have agreed to establish diplomatic relations, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to be celebrating alone as the news media focus on the coronavirus crisis and wide demonstrations. Israel
Can Russia return to Iranian arms market following end of weapons embargo? With the end of the UN arms embargo, Iran could be looking to purchase new additions to its defense system — could Russia become a main supplier again? Saudi Arabia
Would Mideast leaders prefer Trump or Biden to deal with Iran? Whoever wins the election, a new Iran deal would require a regional consensus and some tough diplomacy with Putin. U.S.
UK to return 5,000 ancient artifacts to Iraq Included in the repatriation is a 4,000-year-old Sumerian relic discovered in an online auction. Iraq
Democratic senators demand inquiry into alleged Turkish and Azerbaijani human rights abuses Turkey has responded to some of the recent criticisms it has received from Democrats in Washington. The recent call from the Senate focuses Turkish support for Azerbaijan in the war with Armenia. Turkey
Israel will not oppose US sale of 'certain weapon systems' to United Arab Emirates The announcement likely refers to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. United Arab Emirates
Sudan to recognize Israel after US rescinds Khartoum’s terror designation The White House said Sudan would be the latest country to recognize Israel after it leveraged lifting Khartoum's terror sponsor designation U.S.
Libya's rival parties sign 'permanent' nationwide cease-fire The Government of National Accord and Libyan National Army agreed to the truce during UN-sponsored talks in Geneva. Libya
Israel bombs Gaza after sustaining rocket fire Israel frequently clashes with Hamas and other groups in Gaza, and the two last agreed to a cease-fire in September. Palestine