Third Islamic State attack in three days hits northern Iraq The Kurdistan Region’s peshmerga forces suffer another attacked by Islamic State fighters. News Brief
Iraqi Kurdistan continues repatriation flights from Belarus Thousands of migrants have gotten stuck at the Belarus-Poland border this winter, many of them Kurds from Iraq. News Brief
US 'concerned' over conviction of prominent Egyptian activist Hossam Bahgat avoided jail time but was ordered to pay a fine for "insulting" the country's National Election Authority. News Brief
Israel approves $2.4 billion purchase of US CH-53 helicopters Israel is seeking to replace its fleet of heavy-lift helicopters over the next few years. Israel
Erdogan doubles down on economic policy amid currency volatility Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his stance against interest rate hikes Monday, sending the Turkish lira down 4% as the nation’s economy faces high inflation. Turkey
Watch: Clock tower falls as storm rips through Istanbul As of Monday evening Turkish authorities had reported four deaths and dozens of injuries. News Brief
Erdogan to visit UAE next year Turkey and the United Arab Emirates appear to have repaired their relationship after years of strained ties over Syria, Libya and more. News Brief
Ethiopia denies role in deadly Sudan border attack The disputed al-Fashaqa border region risks becoming a regional flashpoint as Ethiopia descends into civil war. Sudan
MidEast states issue new travel restrictions as Omicron variant spreads Israel has announced a two-week ban on foreign nationals entering the country and Morocco has banned all incoming flights. Israel
Najaf seminary prepares for post-Sistani Iraq The opening of Sheikh Baqir al-Irawani’s office in Najaf indicates that he may be preparing to be one of the successors to 92-year-old Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, head of the Shiite religious authority. Iraq
Iraq reveals details on assassination attempt targeting PM In its first press conference, the special committee responsible for investigating the drone attack on the house of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi released new details and its first public report. Iraq
Lebanese president visits Qatar amid Gulf crisis President Michel Aoun’s meetings in Doha focused on Lebanon-Qatar relations, soccer and the crisis between Lebanon and Gulf countries. News Brief
Israel’s Lapid campaigns against new deal with Iran in London Visiting London while the Vienna talks resume, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid argued that Tehran has no intention of stopping its nuclear program. Israel
Erdogan says Turkey will move to improve ties with Egypt, Israel Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hinted Ankara will reinstate its ambassadors in Egypt and Israel. Turkey
Iran, world powers resume nuclear talks in Vienna The return to negotiations will be the first talks with Iran under new President Ebrahim Raisi. Iran
Iran's new administration faces accusations of nepotism The issue has even caused dissatisfaction among members of President Ebrahim Raisi's own hardliner camp Iran
