Protests in Oman over job losses, economy Sultan Haitham has attempted to introduce economic and political reforms in the past year. News Brief
Blinken visits Middle East to bolster Israel-Hamas cease-fire Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Jerusalem, Ramallah, Cairo and Amman this week for discussions on maintaining the fragile cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. Israel
Iraqi activists worry about election security Some parties that grew out of the October protests have withdrawn candidates from the upcoming parliamentary elections over security concerns. Iraq
Israeli-Egyptian cooperation grows following end of Gaza conflict Israel has been quiet on its contacts with Egypt throughout the latest security crisis, but the agreement on the cease-fire with Hamas, Friday's phone call between the two foreign ministers and the reopening yesterday of two Gaza crossing points for humanitarian aid reflect growing cooperation between Jerusalem and Cairo. Israel
Moscow looks to expand role in Mideast peace process Official Russian statements on the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas indicate Moscow is looking for a larger diplomatic role. Russia
Documentaries explore Cairo’s old neighborhoods, alleyways An Egyptian archaeologist has launched an initiative to shed light on Cairo’s heritage by filming short documentaries about the various alleys and streets in the capital. Culture
Ramadan series revives debate on verbal divorce, marital rape in Egypt One of the most watched Ramadan series renews the debate on verbal divorce and marital rape in Egypt. Culture
Libyan LGBTQ+ activists speak out on violence by extremist militias In Libya, amid the ongoing conflict and chaos, the country's first LGBTQ+ platform is fighting for a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals. North Africa
Israeli-Palestinian conflict forces Biden to put Mideast on agenda Egyptian and Palestinian Authority leaders are back at center stage of US regional diplomacy. Israel
US pledges additional support for Lebanon’s army amid financial collapse Lebanon's armed forces are to receive an additional $15 million in US aid. Lebanon
Iran rejects Canadian court's decision on responsibility for downed passenger plane A court in Ontario, Canada, ruled that Iran's 2020 shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, which killed 55 Canadians, was a terrorist act. Iran
A ‘new level of force’: Netanyahu warns against further Hamas attacks “If Hamas thinks we will tolerate a drizzle of rockets, it is wrong,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the cease-fire took effect. Israel
Biden administration poised to ax US oil company’s waiver for Kurdish-led northeast Syria The decision to withdraw the waiver to produce and sell oil in Syria has been presented by administration officials as a policy correction, not a shift. Syria
WhatsApp denies privacy update will not apply in Turkey There were reports in Turkish media that Facebook-owned messaging service's controversial privacy update, following a backlash, would not come to Turkey. Turkey
Erdogan in hot spot as Turks question 'mafiazation' of politics Erdogan risks a major political setback unless he manages to contain an unprecedented scandal sparked by a mobster claiming close links with government figures. Turkey
Turkish court begins retrial of philanthropist Osman Kavala Businessman and philanthropist Osman Kavala, who has remained in prison without a conviction since 2017, was denied release on Friday. Turkey