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. News Brief
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. Syria
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. Iran
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. Iraq
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. Syria
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. Saudi Arabia
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. Iran
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. Turkey
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. Washington Pulse
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. Qatar
Iran welcomes Iraqi mediation with Gulf states No clear results yet, said Tehran's ambassador in Baghdad after reports of Saudi-Iran dialogue. Iraq
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. Syria
Jerusalem seethes with clashes between Jews, Arabs The week has been violent in Jerusalem with both Israeli Jews and Arabs reportedly attacking each other in well documented incidents. Israel
Government, Kurdish forces clash in northeast Syria The pro-government National Defense Forces fired on Kurdish Asayesh forces at a checkpoint in Qamishli, according to Kurdish sources. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israel to keep lower profile on advancing ties with Sudan Israel’s recent enthusiasm for constructing ties with Sudan might have scared Khartoum, which prefers advancing more discreetly. Israel
Egypt steps up coronavirus vaccine campaign amid surge in cases Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, the Egyptian government has stepped up its vaccination push, increasing the number of vaccination centers and the rollout to include workers in labor-intensive sectors. Egypt
