Critics say Turkey’s unfinished nuclear plant already redundant Turkey’s power plant building spree has resulted in an enormous idle capacity but the construction of new plants continues at the expense of taxpayers despite the country’s bruising economic woes. Turkey
Hezbollah operative receives life sentences for Hariri assassination The Special Tribunal for Lebanon at the Hague had already convicted Salim Jamil Ayyash for involvement in the 2005 car-bomb assassination of the former Lebanese prime minister. Lebanon
Congress passes annual defense spending bill mandating sanctions on Turkey Trump has vowed to veto the bill, which includes a mandate for the administration to sanction Turkey over the S-400. Turkey
Oman praises Israel-Morocco relations Oman has yet to recognize Israel officially, despite speculation that the sultanate would do so. Oman
Rouhani, Biden hint at pathways to resume Iran deal The Iranian president wants Biden to reverse Trump policies, not start a new round of talks; the US president-elect makes clear US regional partners will also have their say. United States
Western Sahara media, activists criticize US decision to recognize Moroccan sovereignty US President Donald Trump announced Thursday that the United States had accepted Morocco's claim to disputed Western Sahara and that Morocco and Israel were establishing full relations. North Africa
Turkey’s Erdogan blasts ‘disrespectful’ US sanctions plan President Recep Tayyip Erdogan responded to reports that Washington is planning on imposing sanctions over Turkey's purchase of Russian-made missile systems. Turkey
European Union has vindicated Erdogan, yet again Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan didn’t give a damn about possible European Union sanctions against Turkey, and the EU has proved him right. Turkey
Egypt's Sisi readies for chillier reception in Washington Experts say mixed signals on the part of President Sisi suggest nervousness about the incoming Biden administration. Egypt
Will Turkish drones help Ukraine reclaim territory? As the Ukrainian news media buzzes with speculation that Ukraine may be planning to reclaim control of Donbass by Turkish drones, direct involvement by Turkey in the Ukraine-Russia conflict would cost Ankara dearly in its relations with Moscow. Turkey
Egypt embarks on ambitious Red Sea yacht harbor project Egypt has begun construction of a yacht harbor in Dahab to promote yacht tourism with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia
Egypt targets businessmen over alleged ties to Brotherhood Egyptian authorities stepped up their crackdown against the Muslim Brotherhood, this time arresting a number of businessmen they accuse of funding the group’s activities. Egypt
Is Egypt ready to turn page on Gulf crisis with Qatar? Egypt has welcomed the recent Kuwaiti efforts to end the Gulf crisis pitting a Saudi-led bloc of nations, including Egypt, against Qatar. Qatar
Iran’s budget banking on US lifting sanctions The projected reliance on oil revenues is wildly optimistic, likely making the budget a wish list, at best. Iran
Normalization with Morocco warms Israeli hearts Unlike the normalization deals with Bahrain and with the United Arab Emirates, the imminent deal between Israel and Morocco will be built on centuries of common history and heritage. Israel
Birth in the desert: Team of nurses, Zoom deliver baby in al-Rukban Syrians stranded in al-Rukban camp near the border with Jordan have been living under harsh conditions for years, and even childbirth has become very risky. Originals
