UAE joins Egypt-led Eastern Med Gas Forum Abu Dhabi announced that it has joined the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum based in Cairo, as part of efforts to counter Turkey’s ambitions in the area. Egypt
Sisi supporters propose 'online army' to counter Brotherhood As the anniversary of Egypt's January 25 Revolution approaches, the regime is tightening restrictions on information it says tarnishes the state’s image and loyalists are lending an enthusiastic hand. Egypt
Christians in Gaza celebrate gloomy Christmas this year Christians in the Gaza Strip will be celebrating Christmas at home this year in light of the lockdown and travel restrictions imposed to stem the skyrocketing number of coronavirus cases. Palestine
Despite attempt at makeover, Syria’s HTS remains on US terror list Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has been trying to present itself as a moderate group seeking to have its name removed from the international terrorist list, but these attempts are failing after the United States recently designated it among the "Entities of Particular Concern." Syria
Why Palestinians found Moroccan normalization easier to take Unlike Israel's normalization deals with the UAE, Bahrain and Sudan, the most recent one with Morocco caused little anger among Palestinians. Palestine
Israeli sex abuse suspect finally to be extradited to Australia Twelve years after she fled to Israel, Malka Leifer is to be extradited to Australia, to stand trial over heavy suspicions of sexual abuse against minors. Originals
Yemeni government, southern separatists agree to government formation The Southern Transitional Council rescinded its declaration of autonomy in July, which paved the way for reconciliation with the government. Yemen
Egypt demands Italy hand over ex-officials accused of stealing artifacts The case centers on some 22,000 Egyptian relics, including gold coins, discovered by Italian authorities in 2017. Egypt
Iraq, KRG, Turkey find common ground in response to PKK Kurdish group increasingly isolated; meanwhile, Syrian Kurds boxed in by Turkey, Russia and Assad. Iraq
Three dead in Sinai bombings The Egyptian military has reported several operations against Islamist insurgents in the Sinai Peninsula recently. Egypt
Turkish court extends detention of philanthropist Osman Kavala Kavala is charged with espionage and "attempting to overthrow the constitutional order” in connection with the failed 2016 coup. Turkey
Saudi Arabia makes major regional moves as Biden administration arrives By modifying its foreign policy goals, the kingdom is bracing itself for the approaching change of administration in Washington. Saudi Arabia
Iran to execute man arrested as teenager, Amnesty says Mohammad Hassan Rezaiee, who was arrested at the age of 16, has spent more than a decade on death row. Iran
NYT retracts main story in hit 'Caliphate' podcast, citing failures New York Times reporter Rukmini Callimachi is being taken off the terrorism beat after an inquiry found missteps in verifying claims that the podcast's main subject had been an IS fighter. Iraq
Pompeo says Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 violates NATO agreements US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in a phone call that Turkey’s purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system is a threat to the United States. . Turkey
Satellite photos show construction at Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility The Iranian nuclear deal, which US President-elect Joe Biden will seek to rejoin, called for a ban on nuclear activity at Fordo. Iran
