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
Biden's election victory draws mixed reactions in Egypt News of Biden's election victory has been met with both elation and dismay in Egypt. Pro-democracy activists are hoping a Biden presidency would ease the repression in Egypt while government supporters fear Biden will push for inclusion of the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt
Bahrain's longtime prime minister dies at 84 Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa was among the world's longest-serving prime ministers. Bahrain
Egypt hopeful Congo AU presidency will help in Nile Dam crisis Egypt stressed its support for the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the presidency of the African Union to lead joint African action next year, most notably in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam crisis. Egypt
Benny Gantz calls upon Mahmoud Abbas to resume talks At the Knesset yesterday, Defense Minister Benny Gantz called upon the Palestinian leadership and President Mahmoud Abbas to return to the negotiating table to work together toward a solution. Israel
Iraq, Saudi Arabia agree to boost ties A high-level Saudi delegation visited Baghdad to sign several economic and investment agreements in order to create a balance between Iraq's neighboring countries. Saudi Arabia
No love left for Erdogan’s son-in-law The resignation of the Turkish president's son-in-law Berat Albayrak as finance minster has elated journalists, bureaucrats and academics as well as elites in the ruling party. Turkey
Shakeup rattles major Islamist group in Idlib Ahrar al-Sham, once one of the largest factions of the Syrian opposition, has divided into two wings: one with ties to the Free Syrian Army and another close to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Syria
