Erdogan slams Western envoys who urged philanthropist's release Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned a joint statement issued by the United States and nine other countries that called on Ankara to end its four-year detention of Osman Kavala. Turkey
Houthi authorities report deaths near Saudi border The Saudi-led coalition also said it struck military targets in the capital Sanaa related to drone attacks on the kingdom. Gulf
Northeast Syria thanks Catalan Parliament for recognition There has long been a degree of solidarity between supporters of Kurdish autonomy and Catalan nationalists. News Brief
15 spies for Israel's Mossad arrested, reports Turkish press Turkey's Sabah newspaper reported that a 15-member spy network was arrested on Oct. 15 in an operation carried out across four Turkish provinces. Turkey
Is Ankara capitulating to or allowing lira’s depreciation? Turkey’s central bank shocks financial markets with a bigger-than-expected rate cut, overriding concerns over the slump of the Turkish lira and its bruising impact on the economy. Turkey
Flurry of activity in Israel as Glasgow climate summit approaches Israeli President Isaac Herzog has established the Israeli Climate Forum ahead of the COP 26 summit in Glasgow. Israel
Palestinian NGO to form network in Gaza for women affected by war The Center for Women's Affairs in the Gaza Strip announced that it will establish a national network to develop plans to support women in times of crisis and war. Palestine
Protests break out in Syrian city controlled by jihadist faction Protests erupted in Idlib against the Syrian Salvation Government, affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, amid high inflation and deteriorating living conditions. Syria
Israeli minister advances law excluding Netanyahu from premiership Justice Minister Gideon Saar is advancing a law proposal that will prevent any person indicted for serious criminal offenses to participate in government formation. Israel
On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman US-Turkish relations unlikely to get better under Erdogan, says veteran Turkey analyst Alan Makovsky Amberin Zaman
US base in Syria hit with suspected drone attack The remote Tanf outpost has been quiet for years, but Iran's pinprick provocations may once again be targeting the base, which plays a key role in Washington’s effort to obstruct Tehran's influence. Syria
Iranian public fears government plan to restrict cyberspace Critics say the plan harms free access to the Internet and social networking media, which small business owners rely heavily on. Iran
Ex-German soldiers allegedly try to start mercenary force in Yemen The masterminds behind the operation are accused of seeking funding from Saudi Arabia, according to German media. News Brief
Egypt churches play matchmaker as Christians' marriages decline Egypt's churches are trying to help their unmarried male and female members tie the knot, but the move is making some people angry. Egypt
Suspected Turkish drone strike targets three people in Syrian Kurdish town Turkey's latest strike comes on the four-year anniversary of the Kurdish fighters' capture of Raqqa from the Islamic State. Syria
Tunisia’s new government sworn in without parliamentary approval The new Tunisian government, which includes 10 women, was sworn in amid controversy over its legitimacy, since it was not approved by parliament as stipulated in the constitution. Tunisia