Israel churns out tech unicorns Another 16 Israeli companies passed the billion-dollar valuation target in 2020. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on 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. By Al-Monitor Staff
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! By Andrew Parasiliti, Elizabeth Hagedorn, Joe Snell
Facebook takes down hacker network linked to Palestinian intelligence Facebook said another network created a fake Palestinian election website in order to steal people's information. By Al-Monitor Staff
Syria's Idlib receives first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines Provided through the World Health Organization's COVAX program, the 53,800 AstraZeneca doses will go first to health care workers and first responders in the rebel-held territory. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran, Egypt lead Middle East in executions in 2020 Iran, Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia accounted for 88% of executions last year outside of world leader China, according to Amnesty International. By Al-Monitor Staff
Mosul women fight Islamic State legacy with sports, arts events Mosul women seek to erase their painful memories of IS by holding various activities for women. By Salah Hassan Baban
US government watchdog calls out Syria for religious freedom abuses The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) also recommended Egypt, Iraq and Turkey be added to the State Department's special watchlist for religious freedom offenders. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Greece to loan Patriot missile units to Saudi Arabia Athens is lending a hand to help defend Saudi Arabia amid continued barrages as the United States moves its assets elsewhere. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran's Rouhani says nuclear negotiations have progressed 60 to 70% President Hassan Rouhani said the nuclear negotiations with the United States are moving at a positive pace. By Al-Monitor Staff
Erdogan fires trade minister amid scandal, reshuffles cabinet In a pair of midnight decrees Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dismissed Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan over an alleged nepotism scandal and began a long-rumored cabinet reshuffle. By Diego Cupolo
US Yemen envoy: Houthi attack on Americans in Saudi Arabia is 'greatest fear' The US special envoy for Yemen gave an update to Congress on the Biden administration’s efforts to engage with Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi forces in the war-torn country. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Qatar LNG expansion plan turns spotlight back on methane emissions The natural gas industry is a major emitter of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that receives less attention than carbon dioxide, despite having a much higher warming potential. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Iran welcomes Iraqi mediation with Gulf states No clear results yet, said Tehran's ambassador in Baghdad after reports of Saudi-Iran dialogue. By Al-Monitor Staff
Syria stripped of voting rights by global chemical weapons watchdog The French proposal to suspend Syria's "rights and privileges" in the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons followed repeated reports of government forces using chemical weapons against civilians. By Al-Monitor Staff