Under new leadership, Turkish Central Bank delivers largest rate hike in two years Following a shakeup in Turkey’s economy team, Central Bank policy-makers raised a key interest rate to 15% Thursday, pledging to fight high inflation and bolster the nation’s troubled economy. Turkey
Egypt weighs stance on Ethiopian Tigray conflict As conflict rages in Ethiopia, Egypt welcomes a delegation from Eritrea stressing its support for regional peace and stability while being keen on resuming the GERD talks amidst concerns over its water security. Egypt
Intel: Senators move to block US F-35, drone sale to UAE A bipartisan group of US senators say they received no reply from the Pentagon or State Department after inquiring last month about implications of the sale of advanced weaponry to the United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates
Turkish government voices support for Afghan peace process The head of Afghanistan's peace negotiations with the Taliban visited Ankara on Thursday as talks continue in Doha. Qatar
Pompeo says settlement products to be labeled 'Made in Israel' Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also announced the United States would identify and label groups that support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement as "anti-Semitic." Israel
Rouhani, Zarif face criticism for suggesting talks with US While Iran seeks the removal of sanctions, some officials are not keen to reenter direct talks with the US. Iran
Turkey’s landmark rate hike augurs economic contraction Ankara’s departure from a much-criticized policy to keep interest rates low offers hope for a currency recovery but threatens economic recession and fresh livelihood grievances for the populace. Turkey
Western Sahara conflict tests Turkey-Algeria ties Turkey’s continued cold war with the Saudi bloc is adding fuel to the brewing conflict in Western Sahara between Algeria and Morocco. Turkey
Pompeo first US Secretary of State to visit West Bank settlement Secretary of State Mike Pompeo not only visited a settlement winery, but also announced that West Bank settlement products exported to the United States may be labeled as made in Israel. Israel
Even with Biden, talks with Palestinians not on Israel’s agenda Despite the election of Joe Biden, no one in Israel is keen to rush to the negotiating table with the Palestinians. Palestine
PA restoring ties with Israel undermines reconciliation, Hamas says The reconciliation efforts between Hamas and Fatah are likely to go down the drain now that the PA announced that ties and security coordination with Israel have been restored. Palestine
Egypt seeks alliance with Sudan, Israel to counter Turkish influence in Somalia Egypt is reportedly seeking an alliance with Sudan and Israel to counter Turkish moves in the Red Sea. Egypt
Is Russia’s naval base in Sudan a signal to Turkey ... and Biden? Moscow is set to create a strategic foothold in Africa along vital shipping routes. Russia
Republican senators ask Trump to label West Bank products 'Made in Israel' The senators want the president to reverse the Clinton-era customs policy before he leaves office in January. Palestine
US unveils new round of Iran sanctions, Pompeo pledges more to come Targets in the latest round of sanctions include an Iranian charitable organization and Iran's intelligence minister. United States
The Takeaway: Iran’s mixed messages include diplomatic opening for Biden Iran escalates tensions in Trump’s final days, while Zarif opens window to diplomacy; Israel, Palestinians, Gulf ready themselves for Biden; Woman coaches Egyptian men’s soccer team; More mummies in Egypt! Iran
