With Trump on way out, Netanyahu nails together settlement legacy With US President-elect Joe Biden preparing to take office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is rushing to set his settlement achievements in stone. Israel
Gulf oil exporters look past Biden’s green energy platform The possible return of Iranian crude to global markets is a short-term concern for Gulf oil producers, which expect to be the last man standing in a decarbonizing world. Saudi Arabia
Netanyahu goes for broke in Trump's last two months Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is still hoping to squeeze last-minute favors from outgoing US President Donald Trump at the expense of his relationship with the incoming administration. Israel
Opposition factions in Idlib prepare for imminent Syrian government offensive After Turkey withdrew from observation posts within regime-controlled areas, Syria and Russia stepped up their attacks in Idlib, raising fears of an imminent battle. Syria
Russia to establish naval base in Sudan The combat capability of the Russian navy in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean would be significantly increased with a military base on Sudan’s Red Sea coast. Russia
UAE narrows search for next Emirati astronauts The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center will select two applicants from a shortlist of 61 potential astronauts. United Arab Emirates
Israeli protesters swarm EU diplomats in East Jerusalem The European delegation came to speak out against a new Israeli housing project in the disputed area. Israel
Erdogan's call for two-state solution in Cyprus dims hopes for Turkish 'reset' with West Speaking during a visit to Northern Cyprus, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey would continue drilling in contested waters around Cyprus and the Greek islands “until a fair settlement” was reached. Turkey
Former Iranian PM Mousavi, under house arrest, tests positive for COVID-19 Former Prime Minister and opposition figure Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife have remained under house arrest since 2011. Iran
Bahrain FM to visit Israel on Wednesday, meet with Netanyahu, Pompeo Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani will visit Israel on Wednesday for a trilateral meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Israel
Etihad to start daily Tel Aviv flights in 2021 Air travel is a major part of the newly established relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. Originals
Lebanon’s intelligence chief visited Damascus amid efforts to free Austin Tice Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim suggested efforts to secure the American journalist's release continued after Ibrahim visited Washington last month. Lebanon
Iran's Rouhani announces new nationwide closures With coronavirus cases and deaths rising again, Iran has announced new closures. Iran
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem dies at 79 The career diplomat was a steadfast supporter of the Syrian president's bloody crackdown on the opposition. Syria
Egypt announces largest archaeological discovery yet Speaking to Al-Monitor, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt Mustafa Waziri praised the efforts of the Egyptian missions unveiling major archaeological discoveries in the Saqqara area. Egypt
Opposition leader sees warning in Russian cease-fire violations in Syria The Syrian Opposition Coalition's president blames Russia for the failure of political process. Syria
