How Palestinians reacted to Israeli election results The Palestinians were greatly disappointed at the results of the Israeli elections, which showed that far-right parties secured major gains, which could hinder the resumption of negotiations. Palestine
Eastern Syrian region seeks stability, local control through division After years of calls for greater local decision-making from the Arab majority in Syria’s eastern Deir ez-Zor, the part of the region under the Kurdish-led SDF plans to divide the territory into four sections. What appears to have possibly been an attempt to assassinate the highest civilian authority in the region has meanwhile raised serious concerns. Syria
Chances for Israeli alliance with Saudis against Iran fading Saudi Arabia is reluctant to showcase any cooperation with Israel, including security cooperation against the Iranian regional threat. Israel
Breakthrough in domestic workers' return to Kuwait Kuwaitis are eager to welcome back domestic workers as some coronavirus restrictions are lifted. Kuwait
EU ready to mediate in Nile dam crisis With negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam at a standstill, the European Union has offered its services as a mediator. Egypt
What UAE’s growing presence in Somaliland means for its Horn of Africa strategy The UAE reorients its strategy from one of military intervention to economic investment and power. Gulf
Palestinian elections: What is happening? The deadline for submitting lists for the Palestinian Legislative Council outlines a clear difference in profiles of candidates. Gearing up for the elections has shaken the Palestinian scene and highlighted the strong dichotomy among the different groups. Palestine
Egypt eyes economic foothold in Djibouti Egyptian policy involving East Africa takes a new turn, focusing on economics. Egypt
Egyptian male ballet dancer performs on international scene despite bullying at home Although he is the first Egyptian prizewinner in an international ballet competition, Luca Abdel-Nour continues to be bullied in his own country by those who believe ballet dancing is limited to women. Egypt
Egypt still backing Libya’s Hifter Amid accusations that the self-styled Libyan National Army led by eastern military commander Khalifa Hifter is redeploying in Sirte, Egypt continues to show its support for the Libyan leader as the country moves toward a transitional phase and national elections scheduled for later this year. Egypt
Anti-Brotherhood shows dominate Egypt's Ramadan TV lineup During the hot TV season of Ramadan, Egyptian state TV will air several series vilifying the Muslim Brotherhood while glorifying army and police operations against the group. Egypt
Tribes in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor back Assad in upcoming elections Tribal sheikhs in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor, some of whom are said to have been previously associated with the Islamic State in the province, attended a caucus in support of President Bashar al-Assad for the upcoming presidential elections. Syria
Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq receives AstraZeneca vaccine Some countries have suspended the British-Swedish vaccine due to its association with blood clots, though the European Union still recommends its use. The KRG previously received a small amount of Chinese vaccine doses. News Brief
Once again, Netanyahu could win with a draw Facing a corruption indictment and seemingly boxed in, Netanyahu is still standing. Israel
US offers to help Egypt reopen Suez Canal The US offer comes days after a giant vessel ran aground and became lodged sideways in the canal. News Brief
Turkish court sentences former police chiefs over Armenian-Turkish journalist's murder More than two dozen suspects, including Istanbul's former police intelligence chief, were handed various sentences for their alleged roles in the 2007 murder of Hrant Dink. News Brief
