Kuwait maintains curfew amid frustration with lockdown A Kuwaiti court has upheld the curfew imposed from March 7 to April 8. DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
Egypt weighs UAE mediation initiative in Nile dam crisis Sudan approved an initiative by the United Arab Emirates to break the deadlock in the negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, but Egypt has not yet followed suit. Egypt
Egypt to open new naval base, shield itself against Libya Egypt is close to opening a new naval base on Egypt's Mediterranean coast, near its border with Libya. Egypt
Iraq fortifies Syria border against Islamic State Iraq is cooperating on border security with Syria, Russia and Iran. Syria
With Netanyahu vulnerable, Israel again ignored by Washington on Iran Knowing he is politically vulnerable, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is silent on Washington’s intention to return to the nuclear deal with Tehran. Israel
Stars help peel back curtain from Israeli cannabis industry Former Minister Tzipi Livni is the latest in a long list of public figures and celebrities joining the rapidly growing medical cannabis industry in Israel. Israel
Senators introduce bill to strengthen Israeli-Arab normalization agreements Both Democrats and Republicans signed on to the legislation, which would mandate more action on fighting Islamophobia and anti-Semitism and boosting Israeli-Arab exchange programs, among other things. News Brief
US offers up to $10M reward for information on Hezbollah operative The United States is seeking information on the whereabouts of Salim Jamil Ayyash, who is wanted for the assassination of Lebanon's former prime minister. News Brief
Kurdish forces in northeast Syria conduct security raid in al-Hol camp The United Nations said the operation in al-Hol interfered with humanitarian services, but the US military, which supported the operation, said the disruption was minimal. Violence has increased greatly in the camp this year. News Brief
In rebuke to Russia, Blinken presses UN to quit politicizing Syria aid Blinken called on the UN Security Council to reauthorize a cross-border aid operation into Syria despite Russian and Chinese opposition. Syria
Turkey to reimpose curfews after new COVID-19 cases double Putting normalization efforts on hold, Turkish officials will reimpose weekend curfews after the rate of new COVID-19 cases doubled in recent weeks. Turkey
Turkey, China assert rapprochement despite Uyghur protests, vaccine delay The Chinese foreign minister’s visit to Turkey reflects the desire of both sides to further develop bilateral ties despite hitches stemming primarily from the widespread public support Uyghurs enjoy in Turkey. Turkey
Ship stuck in Suez Canal finally freed Ever Given was refloated on Monday after being stuck on the Egyptian canal's bank for nearly a week, allowing for the resumption of traffic. News Brief
Iran, China sign long-term economic deal The deal between Iran and China is more of a “road map” than a specific deal. Iran
Pro-Iran parties launch smear campaign against Iraq's intelligence service A political campaign targeting the Iraqi National Intelligence Service poses new challenges for the state’s key institutions. Iraq
Houthis deport some of Yemen's last remaining Jews Thirteen Jews have been forced by the Houthis to leave their homeland, leaving behind the last four elderly Yemenite Jews. Israel
