Israeli-Arab mothers lead protest against crime, violence A group of bereaved Israeli-Arab mothers has decided to combat the worrisome phenomenon of increasing crime, violence and police inefficiency. Israel
Republican congressman introduces Iran human rights bill for Persian new year The bill introduced by Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina would require investigations into alleged Iranian state human rights abuses. News Brief
Russian foreign minister’s visit aimed at challenging US influence in Gulf Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recent visit to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar came amid uncertainty among these states about their future relations with the new US administration. Russia / Mideast
Erdogan makes urgent appeal to West on grim 10-year mark of Syria’s war Ankara desperately needs options to get out of the Syria quagmire, but the Turkish president's offer is likely to fall flat with the Biden administration. Syria
Damascus hospitals' intensive care units full with coronavirus patients The United Nations recently said there are more COVID-19 cases in Syria than the government has reported. News Brief
Iraq's PM calls for national dialogue Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi is calling for a comprehensive national dialogue among all of the country’s forces ahead of the election, seizing the opportunity after Pope Francis’ visit to Iraq. Iraq
Is Europe on the way to appease Erdogan yet again? The forthcoming Turkey-European Union summit could spell a diplomatic success for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, bolstering his hand in domestic politics. Turkey
Dubai unveils COVID-19 restrictions for Ramadan Authorities in the emirate have urged residents to avoid holding large gatherings typical during the Muslim holy month. United Arab Emirates
Erdogan defends Putin over spat with Biden Turkish President Erdogan said it was unbecoming of a head of state for Biden to call Putin a "killer." Turkey
Turkey irked over Israeli-Greek project for undersea power cable Turkey warned last week both Israel and Greece that they must seek its permission before launching works on a proposed undersea power cable in eastern Mediterranean waters. Israel
Palestinians fight to keep property in East Jerusalem Palestinians continue to fight for their rights to their properties and homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem, thanks to the support of Jordan that has historical documents proving their ownership. Palestine
After Jordan, Emirates also furious with Netanyahu Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not only managed to get into a diplomatic row with Jordan, he also succeeded in angering the Emiratis. Israel
Turkey reinforces military posts around Ain Issa amid clashes with Kurdish forces Turkey established military posts and provided them with advanced weapons to prevent the advance of the Syrian Democratic Forces toward areas under Turkish control. Syria
