Congressional Democrats and Republicans rebuke Trump admin over Houthi terror designation The designation of Yemen's Houthi forces as a foreign terrorist organization has been met with criticism from both the House and the Senate. Yemen
Fate of seized South Korean tanker, crew out of Iran’s hands, says foreign minister The decision is the latest in a growing financial dispute between Tehran and Seoul ignited by US sanctions. Iran
Lebanon: Interpol issues warrants for people involved in Beirut port explosion Lebanese state media said the international police organization has issued Red Notices for the owner and captain of a ship that brought tons of ammonium nitrate to Beirut years before last August's tragic explosion. Lebanon
Egypt reopening airspace to Qatar after 3½-year row Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have already announced the end of their bans on flights from Qatar. Gulf
France scores big Iraqi construction project at Turkey's expense A French company has beaten out a Turkish one for the Mosul airport project; political considerations along with economic concerns seem to have factored into Baghdad's decision. Iraq
Rights group B’Tselem says Israel is an apartheid state A new report by one of Israel's leading human rights groups argues in favor of the analogy to segregated South Africa. Israel
Jordanian given death penalty for 2019 stabbing attack The man and two accomplices reportedly were inspired by the Islamic State to stab tourists and Jordanian police in the ancient city of Jerash. Jordan
Pompeo dubs Iran new 'home base' of al-Qaeda Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Tehran of enabling the terrorist group by providing safe havens and logistical support. U.S.
Turkish former NBA star denies falling out with Erdogan Basketball star Hidayet Turkoglu has denied quitting the top post of the Turkish Basketball Federation and his firing as an adviser to the Turkish president for refusing to move his money to Turkey. Turkey
Israel’s Gantz advances Palestinian construction plans in West Bank After advancing the construction of some 800 housing units in West Bank settlements, Defense Minister Benny Gantz takes an opposite, rare move, of advancing construction plans in Palestinian West Bank villages. Israel
Iran says it won’t expel nuclear watchdog inspectors Government officials stressed that international watchdog inspectors will not be expelled from Iran’s nuclear sites, rejecting a senior lawmaker’s statement that such a plan was in the pipeline if the United States failed to lift sanctions against Tehran. Iran
Intel: Former US ambassador to UAE to join McGurk on National Security Council Barbara Leaf is set to join other Obama-era officials with established Middle East policy credentials. U.S.
Sheldon Adelson, major donor in US and Israeli politics, dies at 87 Adelson was a strong supporter of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as pro-Israel Republicans in the United States. Israel
Iraq makes major progress in closing camps for the displaced After six years of displacement, Iraq has closed around 62% of its remaining camps for internally displaced persons over the past six months and is planning to close all of them this year. Iraq
Women missing from top roles as Israeli election takes shape The Knesset race is painting a sad picture of gender equality in Israel, with no party led by a woman. Israel
On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman Things are going to get tougher’ in US-Turkey relations, says Amberin Zaman