Intel: US hinders Syria’s return ‘to normal,’ UAE foreign minister says Flanked by Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Abu Dhabi's top diplomat criticized the US-led campaign to economically isolate Syria under President Bashar al-Assad. United Arab Emirates
Iran's vaccine rollout marred by ‘favoritism’ While Iran’s Health Ministry had promised to keep everyone in the right queue for the coronavirus vaccination, there are media reports that the well-connected are taking their jabs and skipping the lines. Originals
Turkish journalist attacked after criticizing nationalist figure Turkish journalist Levent Gultekin was attacked by two dozen assailants outside his workplace Monday evening in the latest act of violence against critics of Turkey’s nationalist party. Turkey
US demands 'credible answers' from Iran on Robert Levinson's abduction The Biden administration pledged to hold Iran accountable for the former FBI agent's disappearance 14 years ago. Iran
Syria’s Armenian community resilient, but faces uncertain future Syrian Armenians, despite the fragility of their presence in the region, are determined to stay and rebuild. Syria
On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman Post-conflict stabilization in Yemen should be locally-driven and have regional buy-in, says Denise Natali
Would Israeli ultra-Orthodox bail on Netanyahu, Likud? Feeling betrayed by their own leadership on the handling of the coronavirus, young, modern ultra-Orthodox might shift their support to Bezalel Smotrich’s radical right-wing religious party. Israel
Pope speaks of interfaith tolerance from ancient city of Ur The ancient city is the birthplace of the father of the three major monotheistic religions, a fitting backdrop for an interfaith dialogue, Pope Francis said. Iraq
Avigdor Liberman's life mission: to topple Netanyahu Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Liberman’s paramount mission is to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, even if it means setting aside his prime ministerial ambitions. Israel
Soccer academy for African refugees in Egypt A South Sudanese man in Egypt recently opened an academy to teach and train African refugees passionate about soccer. Egypt
Egyptians abroad weighing lobby to boost country's image in US The General Union of Egyptians Abroad will lobby the Biden administration on President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's achievements. Egypt
Egypt seeks to turn into regional hub for electricity supply As part of plans to turn into a major regional hub for electricity and since Egypt has a surplus of power, the Ministry of Electricity announced plans to increase the capacity of an interconnection line between Egypt and Libya. Egypt
First court victory for opponents of Jerusalem cable car project Israel's High Court has halted the cable car Jerusalem project for now, but opponents of the project fear it will not be blocked indefinitely. Israel
At least one killed in Baghdad explosion The grenade attack targeted a group of people commemorating a late imam who is revered by Shiite Muslims; the attack follows an Islamic State attack in the Iraqi capital in January. Iraq
Biden administration reviewing old authorizations for military force There is bipartisan pressure from Congress to repeal the September 11 and Iraq War era authorizations following a US airstrike in Syria that was approved without congressional approval. Originals
As pope ends trip, Iraq's prime minister calls for national dialogue Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi applauded Pope Francis' visit as a great success and reached out to the Iraqi people and different parties to form a dialogue of understanding and tolerance among them. Iraq