Israeli settler attacks on church sanctities in Palestine continue amid lax international response The Israeli settlers continue their attacks against Palestinian Muslim and Christian places of worship, the latest of which has been the attempt to set on fire the Church of All Nations in Jerusalem. Palestine
Egypt’s future as internet cable hub at risk from proposed Google fiber optic network Google intends to build a new corridor for internet traffic via a fiber optic network for the first time between Israel and Saudi Arabia, linking Asia to Europe, which is seen as a threat to Egypt's future as a major transit point for international submarine cables. Egypt
Egypt moves fight against harassment to its trains The Egyptian National Railways launched a new campaign to combat harassment on public transport, namely on trains, calling on women to report any incident they encounter. Egypt
Islamic State continues to pose threat in Syrian desert The Islamic State continues to haunt and drain out the Syrian regime forces even after it lost its last stronghold in Syria more than a year ago. Syria
After months of secret talks, Israel, Bhutan establish diplomatic ties Some observers expect that still other countries, including Oman, may follow suit before US President Donald Trump leaves office. Israel
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
On Israel with Ben Caspit Israeli Meretz Party leader Nitzan Horowitz ready to work with right wing to topple Bibi Ben Caspit
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. U.S.
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