UN Security Council discusses concerns over spread of Libya's foreign fighters The killing of Chad's leader has ignited fears over the potential spread of violent mercenaries outside of Libya. North Africa
Yemen land mine explosion kills three kids near Red Sea port Fighting is continuing in Yemen, despite Saudi, Iranian and US calls for a cease-fire. Yemen
US soldier faces criminal charges over firefight with Syrian regime Sgt. 1st Class Robert Nicoson is accused of recklessly endangering his own men by allegedly bringing them into close contact with Syrian pro-regime forces. Syria
Nile Dam dispute could be heading to Security Council With Ethiopia threatening to proceed with the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam’s second filling, Egypt and Sudan look for a goodwill gesture and ramp up diplomacy. Egypt
Turkey to establish new military base in Iraqi Kurdistan Ankara has announced that Turkey will establish a military base in the mountainous area of Metina, near the Turkish border, in what critics consider a step toward controlling Iraqi Kurdistan. Turkey
Turkey broadens pay phone probes to nab Gulenist soldiers A fresh judicial probe targeting hundreds of suspected Gulenist soldiers shows that purges in the Turkish military are far from drawing to an end. Turkey
More than 100 children intercepted off Libyan coast 2021 has been a deadly year for people seeking to cross the Mediterranean from Libya to Europe, and around 1,000 children are currently detained in Libya in connection with migration attempts. News Brief
Pandemic leads to increase in child labor in Iraq Child labor has increased dramatically in Iraq, with children starting work younger as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Iranian foreign minister visits Kuwait Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is on a regional diplomatic tour and talks have included the war in Yemen. News Brief
US to send mediation team for Israel-Lebanon maritime talks next week The resumption of talks, which stalled in November, could unlock significant economic benefits for debt-ridden Lebanon. Lebanon
Suicide on rise among young people in northwest Syria The organization says children account for nearly one in five recorded suicide attempts and deaths in northwestern Syria. Syria
Dozens killed at stampede in Israel during religious celebration At least 45 people were crushed to death during the Lag Ba’Omer celebrations at the Mount Meron site. Israel
Warnings foreshadowed deadly stampede in Israel Despite years of warnings that the site was unsafe for such large events, thousands of worshipers gathered at Mount Meron for a celebration that turned into a nightmare. Israel
Egypt, Sudan seek greater cooperation in agriculture, food industries Egypt and Sudan agreed to establish an Egyptian-Sudanese joint stock company on agricultural and animal production and food industries, as they face a threat of shortage of Nile water amid the faltering negotiations on Ethiopia’s controversial Nile dam. Egypt
Egypt seeks foothold in Libya’s reconstruction Egypt and Libya agreed to have Egyptian workers return to the Libyan labor market at a time when Cairo seeks to contribute to the reconstruction of war-torn Libya. Egypt
Egypt looks to Kenya for Security Council support in Nile dam crisis Egypt and Sudan are trying to secure the support of Kenya, Africa’s representative on the UN Security Council, in the dispute over the filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Egypt
