Oman to issue tourist visas after 8-month suspension Travelers whose trips are organized through hotels or tourism companies can apply for visas. Oman
Israel's Blue and White party plans vote to dissolve Knesset Defense Minister Benny Gantz said there will be early elections unless the government passes a budget. Israel
Jerusalem cable car taken to Israel's highest court Israel's High Court is set to rule on a controversial cable car project in Jerusalem that would alter the city's landscape. Israel
What do Turkey's Kurds expect from Biden's presidency? Pro-Kurdish political parties in Turkey are keeping their hope for Joe Biden’s presidency with utmost caution. Turkey
Swedish-Iranian academic faces 'imminent' execution in Iran Rights groups are urging Iranian authorities to halt their planned execution of Ahmadreza Djalali. Iran
Iran MPs vote for nuclear deal breaches after scientist’s assassination Four days after a top Iranian nuclear scientist was assassinated, the country’s conservative parliament overwhelmingly adopted a draft bill calling for significant breaches of Tehran’s obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal. Israel
Turkish labor leaders criticize state COVID-19 response as cases surge Turkish officials introduced tighter curfew measures to curb a national surge in COVID-19 rates, drawing criticism from labor rights leaders over exemptions for production workers. Turkey
On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman Biden Administration should give early priority to setting clear expectations for Saudi policy
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar tests positive for COVID-19 The 58-year-old Hamas official was tested after experiencing symptoms. Palestine
Lebanese GDP to decrease by nearly 20% in 2020 The World Bank has proposed several reform measures as Lebanon continues to struggle with currency depreciation, the COVID-19 pandemic and more. Lebanon
Netanyahu, alone at the top, makes a friend on the beach Having distanced aides and security chiefs he no longer trusts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has become a very lonely leader. Israel
Islamic State increases attacks in Iraq’s Sunni areas The Islamic State has conducted several attacks in recent weeks on the Sunni-majority provinces of Anbar and Salahuddin. Iraq
UAE joins Greek, Egyptian naval exercise in Eastern Mediterranean The United Arab Emirates deepens its strategic partnership with Greece and its influence in the Eastern Mediterranean in a coalition to check Turkish ambitions. Originals
No Christmas cheer in Bethlehem this year amid coronavirus pandemic The municipality of Bethlehem in the southern West Bank has begun preparations to celebrate the holidays amid exceptional measures due to the coronavirus pandemic. Palestine