Iraq approves booster dose of COVID-19 vaccines Other nations in the region have already approved similar measures, due to concerns about waning immunity, although the World Health Organization says that first rounds of shots should be a priority. News Brief
Pentagon review may mean closer oversight of CENTCOM requests The Pentagon's anticipated posture review remains largely classified, but it may help prevent shows of force in the Middle East which some have seen as excessive. United States
Iran willing to continue dialogue with Ukraine over downed plane Ukraine has demonstrated an “unwillingness” to negotiate on compensation for the families of the victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752, according to Iranian state media. News Brief
Egyptian liberals outraged by lawyer's blasphemy indictment The sentencing of lawyer and Islamic thinker Ahmed Abdo Maher to five years in prison over remarks defaming Islam has sparked controversy in Egypt, accentuating the divide between liberals and ultra-conservatives. Egypt
Israel eyes solar opportunities in Egypt Israel is working with Egypt to build solar power plants in the country, taking advantage of Egypt's vast areas of unused land. Egypt
Houthi forces: Saudi artillery kills civilian The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen also said it bombed a training camp used by the Iran-backed forces. News Brief
Iran's crackdown risks blinding protesters Amid rising alarm about protesters held incommunicado, medics and activists fear injury and even permanent blindness from birdshot fired by security forces. Iran
In Paris, Israel’s Lapid continues to call for more sanctions on Iran Meeting in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid once again made the case for tighter sanctions on Iran. Israel
Iraqi election results sent to Federal Supreme Court for approval The Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission announced the final results of the Oct. 10 elections and will now send its results to the Federal Supreme Court for approval. Iraq
UK nominates documentary on femicide in Turkey for Oscars “Dying to Divorce,” the United Kingdom’s official entry into the Academy Awards for best international feature film, tells the story of Turkey’s gender-based violence victims, femicide and the inability of the legal system to bring the perpetrators to justice. Turkey
Spanish leader promises COVID-19 vaccines to Egypt Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also expressed a desire to increase trade with Egypt ahead of his visit to Cairo. News Brief
How Mosul’s liberators became occupiers Civilians in the Iraqi city of Mosul complain about the power of the militias who freed them from the clutches of the Islamic terror group IS, but turned to occupier later on. Iraq
Herzog's visit to Cave of the Patriarchs stirs criticism Leftist Knesset members were angered by President Isaac Herzog visiting the Cave of the Patriarchs in the West Bank city of Hebron for Hannukah. Israel
Turkey’s economy grows in third quarter, but so do risks Turkey has posted a 7.4% growth rate in the third quarter but continues to accumulate economic risks that threaten to sharply stem growth next year. Turkey
As Vienna talks open, Israel pleads for firmness with Iran Israel's leadership has ramped up diplomatic efforts to convince world powers to keep the sanctions on Iran in place and not give an inch during the renewed talks. Israel
Unprecedented COVID spread plagues health sector in Syria's Daraa The number of COVID cases has increased steadily in most of the cities and towns of Daraa during the past few weeks amid a deteriorating health sector. Syria
