United Arab Emirates signs deal to buy F-35s, drones just before Biden sworn in President Joe Biden has suggested his administration might review or impose conditions on arms sales, but it is not yet clear he will oppose the deal. United Arab Emirates
Turkey faces alarming increase in public debt Turkey’s public debt has swelled more than 40% over a year, adding to economic risks despite a relative recovery in the second half of 2020. Turkey
Israel wrestles with allowing east Jerusalem Palestinians to vote in PA elections With a new US administration in place, Israel must decide whether to allow Palestinians in east Jerusalem to vote in the legislative and presidential Palestinian elections scheduled for spring and summer. Palestine
As Trump departs, Iran says 'ball in Washington’s court' to reinstate nuclear deal President Hassan Rouhani appeared more upbeat on the prospects of the Iran nuclear deal on the day that Donald Trump departed from the White House. United States
Iraqi parties scramble ahead of new October election date The High Electoral Commission’s need for additional time to update constituents' records requires that the government postpone early elections until October, while political parties publicly oppose the new date and secretly support it. Iraq
Iraq approves Paris climate accord in step toward curtailing oil dependence Iraq faces significant hurdles in transitioning to an economy without oil dependence, and future trends can be expected to exacerbate those challenges. Iraq
Is Erdogan’s anger sign of early elections? While trying to mend bridges in international affairs and form new alliances domestically, Erdogan targets 50% of Turkey’s residents with anger, but why? Turkey
Is Egypt behind Sudanese escalation on border with Ethiopia? With the intensifying border conflict between Sudan and Ethiopia and the success of the Sudanese army in controlling the border areas where Ethiopian farmers have been living for decades, Ethiopia has been hurling accusations of a third party planning, funding and executing the recent confrontations on the border between the two countries. Egypt
Israeli settlers threaten Palestinian archaeology in historic town of Sebastia The ancient town of Sebastia northwest of Nablus in the West Bank remains a target of continuous attacks by the Israeli army and settlers. Palestine
Egypt, Turkey compete for influence in Ghana Egypt is seeking to bypass Turkey in Ghana by strengthening relations and cooperation agreements in several fields with the West African country. Egypt
Legacy of Egyptian revolution? Crackdown on dissent It has been 10 years since the 2011 revolution brought down the Mubarak regime, but the pro-democracy activists who led the uprising say repressive policies remain in place and have escalated further under current President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egypt
Egypt announces first major archeological discovery of 2021 The latest archeological discovery at Cairo’s Saqqara necropolis includes coffins dating back some 3,000 years, a funerary temple and other treasures. Egypt
Netanyahu rival hires Lincoln Project for March election Former Likud senior Gideon Saar hopes the veteran American strategists can help him win the next elections and topple Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
Israel’s chief rabbi calls for day of fasting, prayer for pandemic victims Israel’s Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau has called on Jews in Israel and across the globe to fast tomorrow and to pray for the dead and infected. Israel
Blinken: 'Vitally important' to engage with Israel, Gulf on Iran nuclear deal Antony Blinken also said the administration would immediately review the terror designation of Yemen's Houthi rebels. Gulf
Bahraini king receives award from Trump US President Donald Trump reportedly gave the prestigious Legion of Merit, Degree Chief Commander to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Bahrain
