Turkish-backed Syrian armed groups unify forces The Syrian National Army affiliated with the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army in Aleppo is merging a number of its factions under one group in order to reorganize ranks. Syria
Another Iraqi intelligence officer killed in Baghdad The most recent killing is likely meant to undercut Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's efforts to curb militias outside the control of the state. Iraq
Will Netanyahu fan flames or accept public’s verdict? Will Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accept the verdict of the Israeli public, or will he try to ignite the flames one last time, before the new government is sworn in? Israel
Egyptian concerns grow amid Ethiopia’s plan to build dozens of dams Ethiopia announced a plan to build dozens of additional dams at a time when tensions with Egypt and Sudan over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam are on the rise due to failure to agree on filling and operating the dam. Egypt
Iran and Russia sign visa waiver agreement The deal focuses on making it easier for large tourist groups to travel to Iran and Russia. News Brief
Hamas releases audio of alleged Israeli soldier The militant group also released old footage of former Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Israel
Blinken: Iran's nuclear 'breakout time' a matter of weeks if violations continue US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told lawmakers it was unclear if Iran is "willing and prepared" to resume compliance with the nuclear agreement. Iran
Turkish attack near Makhmour camp extends anti-PKK operations deeper into Iraq Days after warning of a coming operation on Iraq’s Makhmour camp, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said a senior Kurdistan Workers Party official was “neutralized” near the camp Saturday, underlining Ankara’s drive to put pressure on militants in the region. Turkey
US air defenses shoot down drones near Iraq air base Drones were intercepted and brought down near the air base that hosts US forces. Iraq
Islamic State suicide bombing kills two in Libya The Libyan civil war ended with a cease-fire in October of 2020, and a transitional government is now in power. News Brief
US cranks up diplomacy with Russia to keep Syria’s last humanitarian aid corridor open The fate of millions of Syrians hangs in the balance as Russia threatens to shut a crossing vital to humanitarian aid. Syria
Hezbollah founder dies of coronavirus in Iran Ali Akbar Mohtashamipour died in northern Tehran at the age of 75, local media reported. Iran
Egypt's Coptic Church exercises soft power in Jerusalem Egypt seeks to strengthen its religious influence in the city of Jerusalem through the properties and endowments of the Orthodox Church in Jerusalem, and also to preserve its ownership of the properties. Egypt
Iranian media pushes for high election turnout Despite a moderate candidate doing well, the election debates have failed to generate enthusiasm. Iran
Turkish drone sets off international buzz over 'killer robots' The appearance of Turkish artificial intelligence-controlled drones in Libyan skies has rekindled questions on how lethal autonomous weapons will affect regional geopolitics and whether they should be banned. Turkey
Death toll rises in alleged Houthi missile attack on Marib gas station At least 21 people are dead, including a child, following a ballistic missile attack that Yemen's government said targeted a civilian gas station. Yemen
