Pope's pilgrimage to Iraq and land of Abraham begins The first-ever papal visit to Iraq starts as Pope Francis lands in Baghdad. Iraq
US Embassy in Baghdad warns of attacks from 'Iran-supported groups' in Iraq The announcement follows several attacks on the US military in the country as well as retaliatory strikes on Iraqi militias by the United States. Iraq
Online ‘auctions’ of Yazidi captives speak of ongoing Islamic State activity in Turkey The rescue of a 7-year-old Yazidi captive in Ankara raises questions about how hard Turkey is trying to tackle Islamic State militants in the country. Iraq
Iran to present 'concrete plan of action' for nuclear talks, Zarif says Iran's foreign minister shot down comments by a senior politician who said Tehran would negotiate if the United States promises sanctions relief within a year. United States
Saudi-led coalition downs 6 armed drones launched by Houthis The spate of attacks comes a day after the Houthis claimed a missile attack on a Saudi oil facility in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia
Libyan interim government formation stumbles on bribery allegations Before even taking office, Libya’s interim government could soon be hit with a bribery scandal as the UN experts panel prepares to publish its findings. Libya
Biden administration's textbook approach to Iran may be paying off The United States builds consensus with European Union partners first, while bolstering deterrence; Rezai says Iran willing to talk if US sends 'clear signal' on sanctions; Rouhani’s missing coattails in Iran’s June elections. United States
Egypt, Sudan call for Ethiopia to accept international mediation over Nile Dam Egypt and Sudan demanded that Ethiopia returns to the Grand Ethiopean Renaissance Dam negotiations, through international quartet mediation, but Addis Ababa refuses to internationalize the crisis. Egypt
Netanyahu gambles political fate on reopening Israel Fighting for his political life after three inconclusive elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu knows that the pandemic will determine his fate on March 23. Israel
Is Turkey challenging Egyptian influence in Guinea-Bissau? Amid regional warnings of Turkey's growing role in West Africa, including Guinea-Bissau, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received a call from Umaro Sissoco Embalo, president of Guinea-Bissau, to discuss ways to develop cooperation in the economic and security fields. Egypt
Belgian children and some women to be repatriated from IS camp in Syria. The Belgian prime minister said the children in the notorious al-Hol camp could become “the terrorists of tomorrow.” Women will be repatriated on a case-by-case basis. Syria
Republicans challenge Biden's Pentagon policy nominee on Iran Colin Kahl said he supports the Abraham Accords and continued pressure on Tehran. Saudi Arabia
US hopes for ‘progress’ with Iran after European powers dial back pressure Britain, France and Germany decided not to move forward with a plan to censure Iran during the UN nuclear watchdog agency's quarterly meeting. Iran
Freedom House: Syria, Western Sahara worst in world for political rights The think tank also downgraded Jordan to "not free" in its 2021 democracy rankings. Jordan
Iran shuts down relief group fighting children’s poverty Iranian activists are outraged by the Islamic Republic’s decision to ban a charity foundation known for its criticism of the Islamic Republic and its independent mission toward eradicating poverty among children. Iran
Egypt starts vaccinating sick, elderly The country first gave vaccine doses to medical staff and is now offering vaccines to the wider population. Egypt
