Syrian soldiers killed in second bus attack in less than a week The deadly ambush in central Syria followed an attack on Syrian soldiers last week that was later claimed by the Islamic State. Syria
Israel's vaccination drive tops 10% of population Israel expects to administer the vaccine to two million people by the end of the month. Israel
In reversal, Pentagon orders aircraft carrier to remain in Middle East to deter Iran The acting US defense secretary cited Iranian leaders' threats against President Donald Trump and other US officials in the order for the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier to remain in the Middle East. United States
South Korea dispatches anti-piracy unit after Iran seizes oil tanker Iran's Revolutionary Guards said in a statement Monday that the vessel was seized over "environmental pollution." Iran
Iraq regains confidence in dealing with outlawed militias Ahead of the one-year anniversary of a US-targeted drone assassination in the Iraqi capital that outraged some and pleased others, arrests made and warrants issued may signal progress in the struggle to curb the influence of armed groups operating outside government control. Iraq
Egyptians in exile fear losing citizenship The Egyptian government has revoked the citizenship of leading Egyptian activist Ghada Naguib, who has been living in self-exile in Turkey since 2016, raising concerns among human rights activists about the issuance of similar decisions against dozens of activists abroad. Egypt
How female politicians in Turkey's ruling party help strengthen patriarchy Female representatives of Turkey's ruling party have been a useful tool to expand patriarchal policies. Turkey
Israel fears Iranian retaliation before Trump leaves office While Israeli officials have dismissed Iranian allegations that they are preparing for war as "nonsense," Israeli forces have been on a heightened state of alert with the Jan. 3 anniversary of Qasem Soleimani’s killing. Israel
Israeli left mourns Ashkenazi's departure as wasted chance Israelis who believed Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi would be the next leader of the center left are sorely disappointed over his decision to quit politics. Israel
Egypt to become major regional hub for plasma collection In partnership with the South Korean company SK Plasma and with the issuance of a draft bill, Egypt is preparing to collect plasma and its derivatives in a first-of-its-kind operation in Cairo. Egypt
Despite COVID-19 crisis, Egypt’s prestigious Opera House holds Christmas events The Egyptian Opera House organized Christmas celebrations with the participation of many musical groups, while taking into account precautionary measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Egypt
Iran, Hezbollah lead mediation to restore Hamas-Damascus ties Mediation efforts led by Iran and Hezbollah to restore ties between Hamas and the Syrian regime seem to be making progress amid rising tensions with their mutual rivals in the region. Palestine
Amid pandemic, Israel considers drive-through polling stations On the backdrop of a third nationwide closure, preparation for the March elections present great difficulties and challenges. Israel
Afghan officials skeptical of Tehran's offer to send Iran-led militia to fight Islamic State Iran’s foreign minister says it is willing to reposition an Iran-led Afghan militia in Syria to fight Islamic State forces in Afghanistan. Iran