Blinken urges UN to hold Iran accountable for Mercer Street attack US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the drone strike was the latest in a pattern of Iranian attacks and provocative behavior. Iran
Controversy in Qatar over electoral law’s exclusion of tribe Seven people have been referred to prosecutors for “publishing fake news” regarding the Al Murrah tribe’s discontent with the regulations for Qatar’s upcoming election. Qatar
Raisi to Macron: Iran's 'rights' must be upheld in nuclear talks During their phone call Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron urged Iran's new president to resume negotiations in Vienna. Iran
Ill-conceived borrowing scheme costs Turkey double The cost of Ankara’s domestic borrowing in hard currency and gold is estimated to have hit nearly 32% per annum amid the slump of the Turkish lira, more than doubling the cost of borrowing in liras. Turkey
US announces $165 million for Yemen as humanitarian needs mount US special envoy for Yemen Timothy Lenderking urged international donors to step up their contributions to the Arab world's poorest country. Yemen
Wildfires deliver blow to tourism in Turkey Ankara has announced that all but two wildfires are under control and is busily reassuring tourists it's safe to return. Turkey
Egypt's president slices bread subsidies A controversial decision by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to cut bread subsidies despite an earlier promise not to tamper with the price of subsidized loaves has raised concerns that this move may trigger a wave of unrest reminiscent of the bread riots of 1977. Egypt
Arab-Israeli legislator tours Israel’s Foreign Ministry Raam leader Mansour Abbas' visit to the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem was anything but ordinary. Israel
Iran official says fifth COVID-19 wave will be last While Iranian officials are worried about the spread of COVID-19, they hope vaccination efforts can prevent a sixth wave. Iran
Restoration of Virgin Mary Monastery in southern Egypt sparks controversy The Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church is on the defensive after tiles were placed over the traditional flooring at a historic monastery in Assiut governorate. Culture
Palestinian Authority, Hamas divided on Iran The Palestinian Authority participated in the annual conference of the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, which the United States removed from its terrorism list in 2012, while Hamas leaders welcomed incoming Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Palestine
Egypt retrieves ancient priest statue from Holland Egypt has brought back an ancient statue of Nikaw-Ptah from Holland as the government works to recover many stolen antiquities from abroad. Egypt
Tunisian president tries to reassure those who fear for democracy Although President Kais Saied asserted that he would respect the constitution, some political parties and governmental organizations expressed their concerns about his monopolization of power. Tunisia
Houthis revive Shiite festivals to strengthen grip on north Since the Houthi seizure of Sanaa in 2014, the group has brought new sectarian pressure to Yemen's north, forcing both Shiites and Sunnis to observe Shiite customs. Gulf
Artistic, musical events bring some joy to grief-stricken Gaza Touristic establishments in the Gaza Strip are slowly regaining life with more local singers holding music events amid the ongoing Israeli siege and the difficult economic conditions. Palestine
Israel appoints bipartisan negotiator as ambassador to US Having served in a variety of military positions and as negotiator in several rounds of talks with the Palestinians and Arab countries, Israel’s next ambassador to the US Michael Herzog is widely hailed as the right person for the job. Israel