Egyptian, Ethiopian churches clash over Deir al-Sultan in Jerusalem A crisis between the Egyptian and Ethiopian churches erupted over the ownership of Deir al-Sultan in Jerusalem. Egypt
Can privatization save Egypt’s railways? The Egyptian government is seeking partnerships with private and international companies to improve and manage the country’s dilapidated railway network. Egypt
Erdogan’s reset with Egypt and the Gulf won’t be smooth The Turkish president wants a change in relations, but his efforts are seen as the result of a failed regional strategy and poor ties with the Biden administration. Turkey
Can Chinese investment provide boost to Iran’s Chabahar port? As US-Iran ties deteriorated, India slowed down work at Iran’s Chabahar port; yet Chinese investment could bring it back to life. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
State Department: Yemen's Houthis passed up opportunity for peace The State Department slammed Houthi rebels for turning down the chance to meet with the UN Yemen envoy Martin Griffiths. Yemen
Saudi Arabia confirms talks with Iran, plays down breakthrough Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry says it is premature "to reach any definitive conclusions" about the talks. Iran
Irish woman accused of Islamic State membership wins right to visit family in UK Lisa Smith's case has prompted comparisons to Shamima Begum, whose British citizenship was revoked after she went to Islamic State territory in Syria. Syria
Libya’s uncertain path to elections Despite a political process that appears on track, the risk of conflict from foreign forces still in the country remains high. Libya
Intel: UN finds undeclared chemical weapons stockpile in Syria The Syrian government is not being transparent with chemical weapons inspections, say UN officials. Syria
Israeli forces shoot two Palestinians in West Bank following attack Yet another violent incident has increased the tension between Israelis and Palestinians, a lot of it over a land dispute in Jerusalem. News Brief
Saudi Arabia to require all workers get vaccinated Workers in both the private and public sector must receive the vaccine before returning to their workplaces, according to the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Development. Saudi Arabia
Palestinian factions mull next steps after Abbas calls off elections Various Palestinian factions, including Hamas, have rejected President Mahmoud Abbas’ decision to postpone the legislative elections and his call to form a unity government. Palestine
Egypt rolls out $1 billion for oil exploration in Western Desert Egyptian companies are planning more than $1 billion in investments in the oil and natural gas sector in the Western Desert region. Egypt
Naftali Bennett could be Israel’s next prime minister Pro-settler Yamina leader Naftali Bennett could soon become Israel’s first religious prime minister. Israel
Palestinian territories see increased violence over Jerusalem Escalation is expected in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, given several strong indicators that portend an imminent explosion. Palestine
NASA engineer from Gaza following escalation with concern Loay Elbasyouni, who grew up in the Gaza Strip and attended UNRWA schools, helped design the first NASA helicopter that hovered over Mars in March 2021. Culture
