Netanyahu accuses ICC of anti-Semitism Israel's prime minister lashed out at the International Criminal Court after it ruled that its jurisdiction includes the West Bank and Gaza Strip, pointing out that the court was created in part to protect the Jewish people. Palestine
Netanyahu recycles promises to combat soaring crime in Arab towns Ahead of the March elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is repeating promises he made nine years ago to control crime rates in Arab towns and villages. Israel
Nigeria deepens security ties with Egypt to battle Boko Haram Some observers allege Turkey may be supporting extremist groups in Nigeria. Egypt
Alarming low vaccination rates among Israeli ultra-Orthodox, Bedouins Washed with fake news and conspiracy theories, anti-corona vaccination rates among the Bedouins and ultra-Orthodox are much lower than in the Jewish sector. Israel
Syrian Kurds hoping for lifeline from Biden administration Damascus, Ankara and Moscow turn up the heat on US-backed group; UN Syria envoy says, "We can’t continue like this." Syria
UN: 800 people returned to Libya while crossing Mediterranean 2020 was a deadly year for people fleeing Libya for Europe, according to data from the UN's International Organization for Migration. Libya
Libyan delegates choose interim government in UN-led process Abdulhamid Dbeibeh will serve as prime minister and Mohammed al-Menfi as the head of the presidential council. Libya
Israel still cool to gestures from Turkey In a positive, yet cautious signal, Israel has nominated senior diplomat ambassador Irit Lillian as charge d’Affairs to its embassy in Ankara. Israel
Updated: US disputes UN report on capture of Al-Qaeda’s top man in Yemen The report said Khalid Batarfi was handed over to Saudi authorities, yet a US officials says he's still at large. Saudi Arabia
Saudis praise Biden after president draws line on Yemen, arms deals During a speech promising to stand "shoulder to shoulder" with allies, Biden announced the end of US support for Saudi-led operations in Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia temporarily releases two US-Saudi political prisoners Dual citizens Salah al-Haidar and Bader al-Ibrahim still face trial on terror-related charges. Saudi Arabia
Netanyahu manipulates parties on left, right By encouraging a coalition of Israel's far right parties and by pushing for splits within the Arab Joint List, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has increased his chances of winning the March 23 elections. Israel
Iraqi border crossings better protected as cells attempt desert attacks The prime minister’s decision to send military reinforcements to Iraq's border ports last year seems to have made officials feel safer and reduced revenue-siphoning corruption. Iraq
US may help keep GCC reconciliation on track It is unclear how firm or shaky the ground is for Gulf Cooperation Council nations' reconciliation with Qatar, but they may be on more or less good behavior to start off as well as possible with the Biden administration. Gulf
Egypt, Greece conduct naval drills amid EastMed tensions Egypt and Greece carried out military exercises in the Northern Fleet in the Mediterranean to counter potential threats on their maritime borders amid tensions with Turkey. Egypt
HTS leader shocks popular base after interview with Western journalist Whenever Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani makes a media appearance, it causes a commotion among Syrian activists and analysts, the most controversial of which is his recent appearance in a suit. Syria
