UN warns Yemen at risk of 'devastating famine' within months The looming famine comes as Yemen records its highest-yet rates of child malnutrition. Yemen
International financial alliance forms to help Iraq Several countries are forming an economic alliance to help Iraq in its financial crisis. Iraq
Israeli, Greek, Cypriot defense ministers meet, reinforce security ties Defense Minister Benny Gantz meets with his Greek and Cypriot counterparts to reinforce the countries’ security ties and strategic cooperation. Israel
Eight peacekeepers dead in Sinai helicopter crash The American, French and Czech members of the peacekeeping force crashed conducting a routine mission and one US soldier survived. Egypt
Iran expects US to return to nuclear deal without conditions Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said the era of maximum pressure is over. Iran
Screws tighten on Gray Wolves, Erdogan’s European guard France’s decision to outlaw the Gray Wolves marks a new milestone in Erdogan’s showdown with Europe over Turkish migrant groups, which he uses as a tool to advance his political agenda. Turkey
Libyans agree on plan to hold elections in 18 months, UN says Acting UN envoy Stephanie Williams called the agreement a "breakthrough." Libya
Israeli settlers disappointed over Trump’s defeat, worry over Biden Disappointed over the defeat of their friend, US President Donald Trump, West Bank settlers worry over the Biden administration. Israel
Cairo to turn 15th century sultan's caravansary into heritage hotel to boost tourism The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced Oct. 24 that it will convert the 15th century Wakala al-Sultan Qaytbay into a heritage hotel after its restoration. Egypt
Voter apathy, pandemic result in low turnout, riots in Jordanian election With a historic low turnout by voters at Jordan’s parliamentary elections, it is doubtful that the government will pick up the message that a growing majority of Jordanians are becoming indifferent to the role of parliament. Jordan
Al-Azhar to sue France over prophet cartoons During a visit to Cairo by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, Al-Azhar’s Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb rejected any form of insults to the Prophet Muhammad and vowed to sue France over the publication of controversial cartoons. Egypt
Egypt to build world’s largest water desalination plant amid deadlock in Nile dam talks Egypt announced the building of the world’s largest water desalination plant, in a bid to meet the country’s growing water needs. Egypt
End of kafala no panacea for Egyptian workers in Saudi Arabia Although Egypt officially welcomes the end of the kafala system in Saudi Arabia, some observers worry the changes will be largely cosmetic as abusive work contracts remain in place. Saudi Arabia
Can Hamas control individual rocket firing? In a bid to advance the truce with Israel, Gaza’s resistance factions, including Hamas, seem to have agreed to avoid and stop indiscriminate rocket launches toward Israel and to hand over culprits to the competent official authorities for accountability. Palestine
Turkey bans public smoking in virus mitigation effort Turkey has been recording more than 2,000 cases of COVID-19 a day for weeks, and there are concerns the government is underreporting virus deaths. Turkey
Greece, Egypt expect Biden will be 'decisive' in Mediterranean dispute, Greek PM says Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' comments came as Turkey announced it was extending exploratory work in the contested waters. Egypt
