Egypt’s back on gold production map after loosening mining regulations The gold industry in Egypt has recently witnessed a boom after the Egyptian government amended mining regulations to attract foreign investors, while President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi plans to build a jewelry-making city. Originals
Hamas calls for dismantling American field hospital for failing to provide needed services Hamas refused to deal with the newly established American field hospital in the Gaza Strip and prohibited its citizens from visiting it, saying that the medical center is not providing services for difficult cases, such as cancer, as agreed upon in the truce understandings with Israel. Palestine
Netanyahu bets everything on vaccination drive As the March 23 elections approach, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has wagered everything on stopping the pandemic. Israel
Israel, Qatar in contact over Gaza as Bibi plans Gulf trip According to reports, Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi has been in contact over the phone with his Qatari counterpart Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, mostly over financial aid to the Gaza Strip. Originals
Privacy concerns mar Israeli deal with Pfizer Some Israelis are worried that the agreement with Pfizer prioritizing Israel in its vaccine distribution involves the provision of personal information to the company. Israel
Congress approves waiver for Lloyd Austin to become defense secretary The Senate is expected to confirm the former CENTCOM commander as Pentagon chief Friday. Congress
French president says no apology for colonization of Algeria Algeria asked France to apologize for its actions during the more than 100 years of occupation. Algeria
Intel: House Democrats call on Biden to reform Middle East war powers California Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee and House committee leaders wasted no time calling on the new president to rein in two-decade-old legislation on the authorization of military force. United States
Dubai suspends nonessential surgery as COVID-19 cases soar The emirate is also pausing live entertainment at hotels and restaurants until further notice. United Arab Emirates
Political violence in Ankara is more than meets the eye Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s alliance with his nationalist partner appears under growing strain amid a combination of domestic and external pressures. Turkey
Biden to talk Iran deal in early calls with foreign leaders, White House says Incoming Biden administration officials have suggested a return to the nuclear deal is a long way off. United States
Turkish Central Bank holds interest rate steady As forecasted, Turkey’s Central Bank policymakers held a key interest rate steady Thursday, saying they would continue working to reel in the nation’s double-digit inflation. Turkey
Iran to begin administering imported vaccines in February Iranian officials have warned that the country is set to experience a fourth wave of the coronavirus. Iran
Turkey's scapegoating of McGurk rooted in revisionism National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk has worked closely with the Turks for many years on a range of knotty issues, and the growls from Ankara suggest that Turkey continues to pin US policies that it doesn’t like on "rogue" individuals. Turkey
Dozens killed in Baghdad suicide bombings It is unclear who was behind the twin attacks in a crowded part of Baghdad. Such incidents are less common in the Iraqi capital than they were in years prior. Iraq
Israel’s UN envoy takes second role as ambassador to US Israel’s ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan will start serving today also as the country’s ambassador to the US. Israel
