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
Israeli settlers visit Dubai to discuss business ties Palestinian officials are angry the Gulf state welcomed Israeli settlers from the West Bank. Originals
France signs financing agreement with UN to support Iraqi elections The UN-France deal supports Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission ahead of early elections slated for next summer. Iraq
The Takeaway: Biden’s Mideast ties assure smooth transition Trump, in finals days, ramps up Iran sanctions to box in Biden; will Pompeo trip lead to breakthrough on Gulf rift?; Bahrain’s steady course. Originals
Saudis say Biden’s threats are ‘election talk' Although there are political tensions on human rights issues, the US-Saudi relationship could be vital for the United States to address Russian and Chinese influence in the Middle East region. Saudi Arabia
Mosques in Oman to reopen for socially distant daily prayers Amid a declining COVID-19 infection rate, mosques will reopen to a limited number of worshippers beginning Sunday; Friday prayers still will not be allowed. Oman
Who really won in south Caucasus? While the conventional wisdom is that Russia allowed Turkey to soften Armenia for the kill, then swooped in and imposed its own terms, talk of Russia’s big win may be somewhat overstated. Turkey
Bomb goes off at event attended by Western diplomats in Saudi Arabia A Greek Consulate employee and a Saudi guard were injured in an attack at a cemetery in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia
Erdogan’s change of economy team signals snap election plan The Turkish president’s replacement of key economy officials, including his son-in-law, resonate as preparations for snap elections before the political cost of Turkey’s economic turmoil becomes irredeemable. Turkey
Iran frees 157, thousands remain jailed on protest anniversary Iran’s judiciary has pardoned dozens of prisoners arrested during last year’s deadly anti-government protests, but thousands more are still behind bars, reportedly facing torture and other forms of mistreatment. Iran