Iraq's 'Falcon Cell' leader removed amid accusations of suspicious links The replacing of a top intelligence official whose unit had been responsible for many key arrests signals further efforts to centralize control of Iraq's intelligence services. Iraq
UAE says Princess Latifa 'cared for at home' amid hostage claims After Sheikha Latifa claimed she was being held hostage, the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights asked the Emirati government to provide evidence that she is alive. United Arab Emirates
Turkey hires Washington lobbyists in bid for return to F-35 program The Biden administration is giving Turkey the cold shoulder on the S-400 dispute. Turkey
'Hostage-like arrests' in Egypt target families of US-based activists, rights groups say A coalition of human rights groups accused the Egyptian government of intimidating and harassing the family members of prominent activists living abroad. Egypt
Israel develops new regulations for Google, Facebook Israel is working on regulations similar to European efforts to protect small businesses that advertise on Facebook and Google. Israel
Pentagon chief reaffirms defensive support for Saudi Arabia amid Houthi strikes Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to reaffirm strategic ties. Saudi Arabia
Israeli woman who entered Syria flown home The Israeli government is withholding some details about the Russia-mediated deal that also involved two Syrians being released from Israeli prison. Israel
Foreign debt risks hover over Turkish lira’s recovery Saddled with chunky foreign debt repayments in 2021, Turkey might face hefty borrowing costs and renewed currency jitters. Turkey
Iran renews call for sanctions relief as Biden offers nuclear talks Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also welcomed Washington's decision to rescind the Trump administration's position on snapback sanctions. Iran
Biden’s cold shoulder serves Netanyahu on right President Joe Biden’s iciness toward Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could benefit him ahead of the March elections. Israel
Egypt uncovers brewery that served pharaohs An American-Egyptian mission recently uncovered an ancient brewery that paints a vivid picture of beer in ancient Egyptian life. Egypt
Egypt helps Sudan confront Brotherhood ideology through missionaries Egypt sent a missionary convoy of imams and preachers to several Sudanese regions, most notably the Darfur region, where protests and violence broke out amid accusations by the Sudanese government that the Muslim Brotherhood and members of ousted Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir's regime were behind them. Egypt
Egypt turns to Russia for help with desalination plants amid Nile dam crisis Egypt is seeking to move forward in the implementation of new seawater desalination projects in cooperation with Russia, to cover its water deficit amid the stalling negotiations on Addis Ababa’s dam on the Blue Nile. Egypt
Is Israel trying to keep Hamas from running in Palestinian elections? The Israeli army has recently arrested dozens of Hamas cadres and leaders in the West Bank in the lead up to the Palestinian elections, which may affect Hamas’ leaders ability to mobilize the masses, launch electoral campaigns and persuade candidates to join their lists for fear of Israeli arrests. Palestine
Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, exiled opposition form united front Egyptian opposition forces and figures abroad launched a unified front to oppose the government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Originals