Islamic State leader in Sinai surrenders to Egyptian authorities The surrender of Abu Hamza al-Qadi to an Egyptian tribal union linked to the government could be a major blow to the terrorist organization. Egypt
Will Iranian fuel solve fuel crisis in Lebanon? Lebanese economists do not see any benefit from the Iranian fuel shipments that recently entered Lebanon, with support from Hezbollah, amid the worsening fuel crisis in the cash-strapped country. Lebanon
Turkey faces gathering storm in Syria Erdogan’s choices limited as Russian-backed Syrian forces increase attacks, weigh final assault on Idlib By Week in Review
UAE weighs opportunities, risks in Afghan diplomatic scrum The US withdrawal and return of the Taliban has shaken up relationships in the Gulf and South Asia. Gulf
Lebanon hires international consulting firm to conduct audit Alvarez & Marshal will conduct a type of audit focused on financial crimes and money tracing amid allegations of corruption and money laundering by top Lebanese officials. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran's application approved to join China, Russia in Shanghai Cooperation Organization Iran wants to become a permanent member of the Eurasian alliance, of which Turkey is also a partner. By Al-Monitor Staff
US military sale to Saudi Arabia moves ahead Some members of Congress have grown critical of US support to the Saudi government, some of it revolving around Saudi Arabia's involvement in the Yemeni civil war. By Al-Monitor Staff
Russia tries to leverage ties with Taliban in Mideast policies Russia's invitation to the Taliban's since-canceled inauguration ceremony indicates a special relationship has developed between Moscow and the Taliban. Russia
Iraqi Sunnis look to KRG for safety as militias concerns fester As attacks believed to be by Iran-linked armed groups continue amid questions over how long US forces will retain a presence in Iraq, Sunni Arabs are again seeking safety in the Kurdistan Region of the country. Iraq
Israel’s Gantz keeps eye on premiership Defense Minister Benny Gantz' statements and actions of the past few weeks indicate that he has matured politically and is still hoping to be premier one day. Israel
100 days in, Bennett’s government challenged on Iran, Gaza Prime Minister Naftali Bennett registered several achievements since he founded the government 100 days ago, but is still not perceived as a true leader. Israel
Massive displacement wave amid fears of renewed battles in Idlib The Syrian opposition is getting ready for a possible attack by Syrian government forces in Idlib, following increasingly intense bombing and reconnaissance attacks since the beginning of September. Syria
Egypt promotes medical tourism within Africa A cross-agency recruitment campaign seeks to encourage citizens of other countries to visit Egypt for treatment Egypt
Egypt's security forces harass activists into silence, Amnesty says The report said the National Security Agency threatened human rights defenders with arrests and prosecutions, and questioned them about their political activity on social media. News Brief
Israel’s Bennett, Sheikh Jarrah twins make TIME 100 list Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Muna and Mohammed Al-Kurd were among the notable figures in TIME Magazine's list of top newsmakers. Israel
Iran's Raisi to meet Putin as states mull Taliban recognition In his first foreign visit as Iran's president, Ebrahim Raisi will sit down with Russian and Pakistani leaders amid new regional dynamics triggered by the US departure from Afghanistan. Iran
