Why was cosmopolitan Istanbul so threatening to Turkish identity? A new Netflix series has kicked off conversations on long-hushed questions about Turkish identity. Turkey
Rebel groups take sides on Sudan coup Rebel leaders who integrated into the transitional bodies through the civilian side after the 2020 Juba Peace Agreements have allied with the military, but some defiance remains. North Africa
Leadership urges caution as Israeli tourists held in Istanbul Israel is concerned that the prolonged detention in Istanbul of tourists Natali and Mordi Oknin bodes ill for rapprochement between the two countries. Israel
Vending machine dispenses kindness in Dubai Created by two Emirati friends, a new vending machine installed at Dubai Design District (d3) is dispensing kindness and promoting positivity as part of Dubai Design Week 2021. Gulf
Is Saudi defense reform a win-win for Washington and Riyadh? The US should consider a shift from arms sales to supporting Saudi defense industry reform and expansion. Gulf
Human rights organizations call on Hamas to halt death sentences against Israeli agents, drug dealers The military judiciary in the Gaza Strip announced this month new death sentences against collaborators with Israel and drug dealers, amid calls by human rights organizations to stop these illegal and nonhumanitarian sentences. Palestine
Intel: Pentagon chief briefed on 2019 Syria airstrike US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the briefing after reading an investigation into the strike by The New York Times. Syria
Palestinian media: man killed by Israeli forces as tensions continue A top Israeli security official reportedly spoke to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas about security coordination recently. News Brief
Iran parliament rejects Raisi's pick for education minister Despite its close alliance with the hard-line president, the parliament seemed to have bowed to public arguments that the nominee was unfit for the key post. Iran
Intel: US, UAE talk F-35 as Russia pitches stealth aircraft A top State Department official warned the Biden administration is "very serious" about imposing sanctions on partners that purchase Russian military hardware. Gulf
Netflix series awakens ghosts of past for Turkey's Jews "The Club" explores the old wounds of Turkey’s minuscule Jewish community, from lost Ladino songs to the wealth stolen by a draconian 1942 tax. Turkey
Israeli court delays key testimony in Netanyahu corruption trial Nir Hefetz, a former aide to Benjamin Netanyahu and his family, is the prosecution's star witness in Case 4000. Israel
Syria explores vaccine cooperation with Cuba Cuba has worked with Syria’s ally Iran on developing vaccines against COVID-19. News Brief
Libyan strongman Hifter announces presidential run Libya's former eastern-based commander Khalifa Hifter declared his candidacy for the Dec. 24 elections, saying he'll seek to "lead our people in a fateful stage." Libya
Budget approval makes Yair Lapid Israel’s new dominant politician With the state budget approved, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid is now preparing for the moment when he takes over premiership from his coalition partner Naftali Bennett. Israel
Egypt joins Gulf states in banning 'Eternals' Egypt joins Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar in banning the movie "Eternals," raising questions about freedom of creativity and expression. Egypt
