Why Erdogan needs to conquer Bogazici University Historical Bogazici University has long been an ivory tower out of the control of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his party. Turkey
Protests, info warfare continue in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor Inhabitants of Syria’s eastern Deir ez-Zor region, which has an Arab-majority but is under the control of the Kurdish-led SDF, have protested repeatedly in recent weeks against alleged arbitrary arrests, price gouging, and lack of services; many urge more direct contact between the local population and the international coalition. Syria
Islamic scholars, activists call for ban on British film about prophet’s daughter The film about Fatima al-Zahra, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, has already been banned in Pakistan. Egypt
For Israel, Houthi threat a whole new ballgame Israel fears that Iran would encourage the Houthis in Yemen to attack the southern city of Eilat. Israel
Netanyahu's rivals liken him to Trump as world reels from Capitol riots Candidates to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warn that like his close ally the outgoing US president, he's capable of the kind of incitement that led to riots in the US capital. Israel
Egypt thaws relations with Qatar after long-running feud Egypt signed a reconciliation agreement with Qatar, along with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, aimed at ending the Gulf blockade imposed on Doha since 2017, but it seems pending issues remain, including the Muslim Brotherhood, preventing full restoration of ties between Cairo and Doha. Qatar
How Egypt plans to excavate antiquities submerged under Alexandria waters Alexandria University launched a new project to excavate and preserve underwater artifacts, in a bid to revive tourism and protect Egypt's underwater heritage. Egypt
Young Israeli singer wins over fans with Moroccan Arabic voice Israeli artist Ron Peretz embraces the Moroccan Arabic she learned at home in hip hop music that is conquering hearts in Israel and the Arab world. Israel
Emirati official says Gulf states to work on trade with Qatar before resuming diplomatic ties UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash's comments indicate that healing the Gulf rift may still take more time. Gulf
Gulf countries end feud, but Saudi cleric who urged detente still in jail Salman Aloudah's son says it's ironic that Saudi Arabia is hailing the end of the Gulf rift but silencing a prominent voice who called on the neighbors to mend ties. Saudi Arabia
Israeli missiles hit Syria for second week in a row Israel reportedly struck targets in southern Syria on Wednesday. This follows suspected Israeli airstrikes on the Syrian military in late December and November. Syria
Oil prices at highest since February 2020 following Saudi output cut Oil producers are concerned that the continued COVID-19 pandemic could hurt demand. Gulf
Turkey awash with schadenfreude over Capitol takeover A large number of Turks feel deep animosity toward the United States, and as sense of just desserts prevails as the world reels from yesterday's rioting in the Capitol. Turkey
Rights group urges Libya's GNA to investigate 338 missing in Tarhuna Human Rights Watch called on the Tripoli-based government to probe disappearances linked to the Kaniyat militia. Libya
US collects $7 million in Iranian assets amid pursuit of 'complex international conspiracy' The funds are just a piece of a larger investigation that includes up to a billion dollars worth of Iranian assets. Originals