Turkish inflation rises, raising expectations of further rate hikes Turkey’s inflation rate rose to 15.61% in February, marking the fifth month of consecutive increases and raising expectations for the central bank to introduce further rate hikes. Turkey
Israeli ship sailing again following explosion MV Helios Ray was off the coast of Oman on Wednesday. Israel blamed last week's explosion aboard the ship on Iran, which Iran denied. Israel
American dies of ‘cardiac episode’ after rocket attack on Iraq air base Rocket strikes resume after Biden authorized retaliation on pro-Iran militia in Syria last week Iraq
Rights group accuses Palestinian Authority of vaccine corruption The Ramallah-based Independent Commission for Human Rights said the Palestinian Authority is giving out vaccine doses based on personal relationships and not medical need. Palestine
Saudi Arabia to require COVID-19 vaccine for this year's hajj The Saudi government is mandating pilgrims be vaccinated but hasn't yet said whether attendance will be limited. Saudi Arabia
Iran criticizes IAEA censure from European countries Iran says the plan by some European countries to censure Iran at the IAEA will have a negative effect on nuclear negotiations. Iran
Israel, Emirates strive for warm, vibrant, profitable peace Since the signing of the Abraham Accords, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain multiply contacts for joint ventures and mutual investments. Israel
Egypt moves ahead with purchase of Russian arms despite US warnings Russian media reported that Egypt has received five Sukhoi Su-35 advanced combat aircraft despite US threats to sanction Cairo over the Russian deal. Egypt
Syrian opposition accuses Kurdish forces of booby-trapping fuel trucks The Syrian armed opposition factions are accusing the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces of planting explosive devices in fuel-laden trucks along the border with the opposition areas to prevent smuggling of fuel. Syria
Netanyahu slams ICC probe against Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused prosecutor Fatou Bensoda of hypocrisy and anti-Semitism for investigating Israel for war crimes. Palestine
Arab-Israelis accuse police of brutality against demonstrators Demonstrations in the Arab-Israeli town of Umm al-Fahm spun out of control, and accusations of excessive force by the police have reached the Knesset. Israel
The Netherlands puts Qatar trade event on hold over foreign workers' deaths The Dutch government postponed a trade mission in Qatar after a report on thousands of workers dying there since the country was awarded the 2022 World Cup. Qatar
Sudan welcomes US, Russian navy ships amid strategic competition The rival powers are eyeing the fledgling democracy for a leg up on influence in East Africa Russia
Lebanese pound falls to all-time low on black market as people protest Lebanon's harrowing economic crisis worsened when the pound fell against the dollar again on the black market. Lebanon
Iran says 'time not ripe' for negotiations with US Tehran has said Washington's proposed inclusion in negotiations over reviving the Iran nuclear deal cannot work unless the United States lifts sanctions against the Islamic Republic. United States
Erdogan unveils human rights reforms, raising skepticism among advocates Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Tuesday announced an 11-point human rights action plan, pledging to fortify freedoms and legal protections after years of democratic backsliding under his government. Turkey
