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. U.S.
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
Iraq-Saudi border crossing reopens after 30 years The Arar crossing has remained closed since Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Saudi Arabia
Erdogan mum as mob boss threatens Turkey’s main opposition leader In an open letter filled with obscenities and threats of physical violence, a prominent leader in Turkey's mafia accused Kemal Kilicdaroglu of treason in concert with Kurdish militants and foreign powers. Turkey
Egypt's secret police arrest second prominent human rights activist this week Karim Ennarah is the third member of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights to be detained this year. Egypt
Greece, UAE sign political, defense agreements The Greek prime minister's visit to the United Arab Emirates comes amid tensions both states have with Turkey. Originals
Erbil governor dies of coronavirus; his 'legacy of service will endure,' PM Barzani says Local and foreign offices praised the late governor and called his death a great loss for the KRG. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Iran fed uranium gas to prohibited centrifuges at underground site, says UN US President Donald Trump proposed attacking the site in a meeting with advisers last week. Iran
Iran’s Zarif says Biden could lift Iran sanctions in no time Iran’s foreign minister expressed optimism about Joe Biden’s presidency, noting that Washington’s return to the Iran nuclear deal could take place without preconditions. U.S.
Turkish health experts warn new COVID-19 measures don’t go far enough The Turkish government has introduced partial curfews and other measures to curbing rising COVID-19 cases in the country, while health experts call for a full lockdown and more transparency in pandemic data. Turkey
Israel reportedly bombs southern Syria Syrian opposition sources said the airstrikes targeted Iranian militias near the capital Damascus. Israel
Aid groups in Yemen say Houthi terror designation would deepen crisis The Trump administration is weighing whether to designate the Iran-aligned rebel group as a foreign terrorist organization. Yemen
Israel advances plan for elevator at Tomb of the Patriarchs The nongovernmental organization Emek Shaveh, however, is appealing against plans to build a path and an elevator at the entrance to the Tomb of the Patriarchs in the Palestinian city of Hebron. Palestine
Why Erdogan seeks fresh military mandate for Azerbaijan Turkey’s government has obtained a broad parliamentary mandate for military deployment in Azerbaijan, signaling intentions beyond the joint cease-fire-monitoring center agreed with Russia. Turkey