Turkey's space program not yet ready for takeoff Turkey’s ambitious space program has made some concrete achievements, but Ankara has yet to resolve structural and financial problems snagging development in the sector. Turkey
Sisi talks Turkey, East Med tensions, in visit to Greece Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was in Athens amid common hostility toward Turkish activities in the Eastern Mediterranean. Egypt
Iraqi KRG checkpoints part of crackdown on PKK Turkish attacks on the PKK in Iraq's Kurdistan Region have forced the KRG to increase checkpoints and security. Iraq
Iraqi armed factions form Sharia Youth group Several Shiite armed groups, which in recent months have targeted the US presence in Iraq, are setting up youth groups to prepare the next generation. Originals
Israel opens bidding for project in east Jerusalem Days after the election of US President-elect Joe Biden, Israel is taking bids for the construction of 1,257 housing units in the Jewish Givat Hamatos neighborhood in east Jerusalem. Israel
Israeli-Arab Knesset member sparks controversy with outreach to Netanyahu Tired of being sidelined and excluded, an Israeli-Arab Knesset member flashes willingness to deal with Netanyahu and rethink role of Israeli-Arabs in parliament. Israel
Egyptian man in Cairo's Tahrir Square sets himself on fire The incident took place at the rallying point for Egypt's 2011 revolution. Egypt
Intel: US to activate air defense batteries to test Israel's Iron Dome Both Iron Domes are expected to arrive at Fort Bliss by January Israel
Should Turkish justice minister's comments fuel hope for release of philanthropist Osman Kavala? Turkish Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul spoke out against the widespread practice of arbitrary detentions Friday, fueling speculation that Turkish philanthropist and civic activist Osman Kavala, who has been in jail for more than three years on a slew of outlandish charges, may be finally freed. Turkey
Intel: US blames ‘scheduling issue’ for no Pompeo-Erdogan meeting A State Department official said Pompeo's "tight schedule" will keep him from meeting Turkish officials when in Istanbul next week. Turkey
Biden unlikely to turn back in Iraq Former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel says Biden knows Iraq "as well or better than just about anyone." Iraq
Pakistan PM says no recognition of Israel until agreement with Palestinians Prime Minister Imran Khan said Pakistan will not recognize Israel until there is a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel
US threat to shutter Baghdad embassy 'ongoing,' says Syria envoy Outgoing US Syria envoy James Jeffrey says the State Department's threats to close the US Embassy in Iraq is "very serious." Iraq
Oman opens land borders for citizens, residents The Gulf state's land borders had remained shut to international travel since March. Oman
Desperate doctors call for lockdown in Istanbul Turkish medical associations as well as the mayor are appealing to the Turkish government to close down Istanbul as daily deaths reach April levels. Turkey
Pompeo reportedly to visit Israeli West Bank settlement The US secretary of state is expected to make an unprecedented visit to Psagot, an Israeli settlement in what is globally recognized as Palestinian territory, on his current trip to the Middle East. Palestine
