Iran lashes out at UN's latest report on human rights violations The Islamic Republic questioned the credibility of the rapporteur’s latest account, saying it was founded on claims by "terrorist groups." Iran
US slams Israel’s planned settlement expansion The Biden administration is making public its formerly private objections to Israel's policies. Israel
Cyberattack hits Iran’s gas stations Iran has accused both the United States and Israel of conducting cyberattacks against them in recent years. By Al-Monitor Staff
Bahrain authorizes China’s Sinopharm vaccine for children Authorities around the world are divided on the necessity of vaccinating children against COVID-19. News Brief
Turkey’s parliament votes to extend mandate for troops in Iraq, Syria The main opposition CHP announced an hour before the session that it would vote against the motion. Turkey
Militias protest after losses in Iraqi election The results of Iraq's Oct. 10 parliamentary elections came as a shock to political parties affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Units, as they lost more than half of their seats in parliament. Iraq
Iran to push for inclusive Afghan government at Tehran conference The Iranian government is concerned for the Shiite Muslim and Persian-speaking communities in Afghanistan under the Taliban. News Brief
Sudan’s ambassador to US vows to oppose coup in Khartoum The United States is coordinating with Gulf states on messaging in hopes of avoiding bloodshed in Sudan. Sudan
Terror designation of Palestinian groups shakes Israeli coalition Meretz is furious over Defense Minister Benny Gantz' designation of six Palestinian civil society groups as terror organizations. Israel
Iraq opts for clean energy in ambitious energy reform program Iraq is signing contracts with international companies to produce clean energy in a bid to curb its rising pollution curve. Iraq
Turkish-backed factions outmaneuver Syrian jihadist group in Idlib The Turkish-backed Syrian National Army in north Syria announced a series of mergers recently, derailing plans by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to seek rapprochement with some of the factions affiliated with the Syrian National Army. Syria
Israel, UAE send signal to Iran during Israeli air force drill For the first time ever, the commander of the Emirati air force openly observes the international Blue Flag military drill taking place this week in Israel. Israel
Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta denounces fatwa on marital intimacy A fatwa by an unofficial body on the number of times a husband must have intercourse with his wife sparked controversy on social media, prompting Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta to denounce the fatwa as it belittles women’s rights. Egypt
Cairo airport security detains robot Egyptian security forces detained robot artist Ai-Da, upon arriving at Cairo airport for 10 days, before the British embassy intervened to resolve the issue and ensure their release. Egypt
Lebanon charges 68 in relation to shooting at Hezbollah protest Six people were killed at a protest against the Beirut port explosion investigation. News Brief
US freezes aid to Sudan in response to military takeover The Biden administration urged Sudan’s military to reinstate the civilian-led government, threatening an end to much-needed assistance. Sudan
