Jordan releases 16 detained over royal family feud Two Jordanians, a former finance minister and a member of the royal family arrested in connection with the apparent plot, remain in detention. Jordan
Erdogan furious as his Islamic ambitions stumble in Turkish Cyprus A Turkish Cypriot court ruling that reins back on Quranic courses comes as a poignant message to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Cypriot Turks are unwilling to sign up to his quest to raise “devout generations.” Turkey
A tale of two elections: Netanyahu, Abbas face the abyss The Israeli prime minister and Palestinian president are both losing control of their traditional coalitions. Israel
Khamenei critic faces 'imminent death' in Iran prison Relentless pleas from international rights groups and members of the Iranian civil society for the release of outspoken journalist Mohammad Nourizad continue to remain unheeded by Iranian authorities. Iran
Arab parties to determine Israeli government Head of Ra’am Party Mansour Abbas and members of the Arab Joint List now have the power to decide what the next government will look like. Israel
Senator praises report that Biden will recognize Armenian Genocide Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Robert Menendez has been a longtime supporter of recognizing the Armenian Genocide. United States
Murder in Kuwait stirs outrage over violence against women Farah Akbar was killed this week by a man who was arrested but released on bail after threatening to kill her. Kuwait
Pope may visit Lebanon once new government is formed Pope Francis met Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri in Vatican City today. Lebanon
Israel fails to intercept missile from Syria Despite Israel's extensive missile defense systems, a missile from Syria managed to reach the south of the country. Israel
UAE balances ties with Egypt, Ethiopia in Nile Dam Crisis Close UAE-Ethiopian relations remain a source of concern for Egypt, especially after tension escalated between Cairo and Addis Ababa over the GERD crisis. Egypt
Palestinian candidates attacked, threatened ahead of elections Candidates for the Palestinian legislative elections are facing attacks on their properties and threats in an attempt to prevent them from running in the elections. Palestine
Syrian government reportedly building tribal force in Hasakah Russia and Iran are seeking to build a tribal army within the Syrian Democratic Forces' areas in Hasakah to protect the regime’s survival near the sources of oil and agricultural wealth. Syria
Egypt's Christians fearful after IS killing in Sinai The latest killing of a Christian man in Sinai by the Islamic State has brought back to Egypt's Christians memories of past attacks on churches by the terrorist group, even as the Coptic Orthodox Church appeared defiant. Egypt
Israel churns out tech unicorns Another 16 Israeli companies passed the billion-dollar valuation target in 2020. Israel
Loud explosion heard in central Israel, followed by airstrikes in Syria The Israel Defense Forces said a missile was fired towards Israel's Negev desert from Syria, prompting an Israeli military response. News Brief
The Takeaway: Two tracks lead to Tehran: one through Vienna, another through Baghdad Plus: Egypt’s train wrecks; new Nile Dam tensions; Turkey’s trafficking scandal; Iraq’s tribal vote; more! Iran
