US questions Israel designation of Palestinian NGO's as terrorist groups The State Department expects Israel to substantiate its designation of six Palestinian civil society groups as terror organizations. Israel
A net-zero Saudi Arabia? Not so fast The kingdom is unlikely to achieve net zero emissions soon, but the ambition to do so, and the plan, is an impactful step in the right direction. Gulf
Israelis fed up with racist, anti-Muslim behavior of soccer fans Most Beitar Jerusalem soccer team supporters have had enough of the racist and anti-Muslim behavior of La Familia fan club. Israel
Netflix features fresh collection of Palestinian movies Palestinians are thrilled with a Netflix collection of Palestinian stories that sheds light on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict from a Palestinian perspective for the first time. Palestine
Egyptian preacher's fatwa against bodybuilding stirs controversy After Egyptian bodybuilder Big Ramy won the Mr. Olympia 2021 championship, cleric Abdullah Rushdy issued a fatwa prohibiting men from participating in the sport because it reveals intimate parts of the body. Egypt
In Dubai, Israel sees normalization as bridge to business in India, Japan The Abraham Accords offer Israel an economic peace, which means in turn also deeper economic ties with India, Japan and perhaps even Saudi Arabia. Israel
Iran’s new brigade infiltrates tribes in east Syria Iran is working on controlling and infiltrating the Syrian community by supporting local leaders affiliated with it, forming tribal councils and appointing new sheikhs from small clans and families to spread Shiism in its areas of control in east Syria. Syria
Turkish-backed Syrian groups pursue drug operations in Aleppo The Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army is reportedly cracking down on drug dealers in the Aleppo countryside. Syria
Palestinian olive season begins with settler attacks, arson Palestinians are once again having to defend their own olive trees during harvesting season from Israeli settler vigilantism while Israeli soldiers stand by. Palestine
Despite reaching all-time high, Egypt’s external debt is within safe levels Inflows of foreign currency debt were spent on infrastructure, health care and overhaul of shantytowns across the country. However, Egyptian banks’ net foreign liability position stands out as a risk. Egypt
The Takeaway for Oct. 20, 2021: Iraq shadowed Colin Powell, but his character showed through even then
France calls on Iran to curb nuclear activity as talks remain stalled European diplomats have stepped up efforts to bring back talks between the United States and Iran on the nuclear deal. News Brief
With Nile talks stalled, Ethiopia plans to fill dam, buy Turkish drones Meanwhile, Sudan’s democratic transition faces ‘worst and most dangerous’ crisis. Egypt
Reports: Iraqi fish dying from highly contagious disease Koi Herpesvirus is deadly for carp, which are a staple of Iraqi cuisine. News Brief
'Big disappointment': Syrian constitutional negotiations fail again UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen said the Syrian government's side did not present a new proposal as previously agreed. Syria
Turkey sends mixed signals over Syrian mercenaries in Libya Turkey’s withdrawal of a limited number of Syrian militia from Libya is aiming to sidestep potential accusations of spoiling the election process in the war-torn nation as December elections near. Turkey