Lebanon returns to lockdown as virus cases spike The lockdown, which runs through Feb. 1, mandates an overnight curfew and the closure of most businesses. Lebanon
Israel side-eyes Turkish offers of friendship as Ankara shelters Hamas Turkey’s overtures to Israel have been greeted with bemusement and contempt while hundreds of Hamas operatives remain in Istanbul. Israel
Iraqi judge issues arrest warrant for Donald Trump over Soleimani killing The charge of premeditated murder carries a death sentence under Iraqi law but is not likely to be enforced. Iraq
Turkey’s political divide spills over to treatment of critically ill infants Children suffering from a deadly neuromuscular disorder have found themselves at the heart of political polarization in Turkey after the opposition called for extra funds for their ultra-expensive treatment. Turkey
Iran president: US Capitol storming shows Western democracy 'fragile' President Hassan Rouhani also said that “those who in two weeks will have power in the White House must return America, which is a great nation, to its rightful place.” Iran
Middle East allies, adversaries condemn 'disgrace' at US Capitol Leaders across the region responded with alarm to the violence that unfolded at the US Capitol. U.S.
Egypt’s intelligence chief heads to Sudan amid stalled Nile dam talks Egypt’s head of the General Intelligence Service Maj. Gen. Abbas Kamel visited Sudan at a time when Khartoum boycotted the recent Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam negotiations. Egypt
Israeli center-left reaches out to Arab voters Seeking support from the Arab electorate at the upcoming March elections, the parties of the Israeli left and center are suddenly adding Arab candidates to their Knesset lists. Israel
Pontifical Biblical Institute in Jerusalem reminds world of European presence in Holy City The Jerusalem branche of the Rome-based Pontifical Biblical Institute has a museum that displays a Pharaonic mummy and baby’s bones in a jar, among other archaeological finds. Palestine
Hamas forcibly expels residents from their homes in Rafah The Hamas authorities in the Gaza Strip began a campaign to expropriate state-owned lands near the Rafah border crossing, as part of a project to expand the crossing, leaving many citizens homeless and jobless. Palestine
Israel quiet as Egypt advances talks with Palestinians Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi has not commented publicly about speaking with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry, nor on the French-Egyptian initiative for a mini international peace conference. Palestine
Egypt approves Pharaonic exhibition in 5 US, European cities Despite the outbreak of the coronavirus around the world, Egypt is trying to revive the tourism sector by planning to take remarkable archaeological pieces on a tour around five prominent cities in Europe and the United States. Egypt
2020 was a bad year for Gaza hotel-turned quarantine centers Hotels in the Gaza Strip were unable to host New Year's Eve parties as they turned into quarantine centers due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has led them to incur great losses that bode ill for the sector. Palestine
Gulf unity deal further isolates Iran Healing the Gulf Cooperation Council rift is a parting gift for Trump and a welcome gift for Biden in dealing with the Islamic Republic. Gulf
Intel: Biden to pick Brett McGurk for top White House Middle East role Picking the former defeat-ISIS envoy to oversee US Middle East policy sends a strong signal to Turkey. Turkey
Turkey calls for 'common sense' amid post-election unrest in US Turkish state media reported the government's response to the storming of the US Capitol by Trump supporters. Originals