House leaders demand Biden push to free US embassy staff in Yemen The Houthi rebels detained several Yemenis working for the US government earlier this month. News Brief
The Takeaway: Iran nuclear talks resume next week — What you need to know Turkish lira crisis hits Syria; Saudi, Syrian intel chiefs talk; Netflix drama evokes memories for Izmir’s Jews; Oman bets on logistics; Egypt, Tanzania deepen ties; Gaza’s women skateboarders — all in less than 1,500 words. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
US amends sanctions regulations to ease aid delivery in Syria An amended general license allows NGOs in Syria to take part in otherwise prohibited activities, including new investment in Syria and transactions with the Syrian government. Syria
Turkey praises Venezuela for 'peaceful' elections The United States, on the other hand, called the elections in the South American country “flawed.” News Brief
UN nuclear agency chief leaves Iran with no agreement IAEA chief is concerned time could be running out regarding inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities. Iran
Iran's deputy foreign minister pledges 'new chapter' in Iran-UAE relations Iran's deputy foreign minister, Ali Bagheri Kani, met with senior Emirati officials in Dubai on Wednesday. Iran
Erdogan, MBZ meet for first time in nearly a decade Separate agreements in trade, energy and the environment were inked. Turkey
Israel ups the alarm on Iranian drones Defense Minister Benny Gantz revealed this week that Iran tried transferring explosives in 2018 from Syria to terror elements in the West Bank using an unmanned aerial vehicle. Israel
Iran executes man jailed for murder as minor Arman Abdolali was sentenced to death after what Amnesty International said was a "grossly unfair trial" that relied on "torture-tainted confessions" he later withdrew. Iran
Israel halts meetings as Belgium labels West Bank settlement products The Belgian decision to label West Bank settlement products was made as Deputy Foreign Minister Idan Roll is visiting the country and ahead of a scheduled meeting with Belgian Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmes. Israel
Latest alleged Israeli airstrikes in Syria leave civilian, military casualties Israel has fired missiles into Syria four times in November alone, according to the Syrian military. News Brief
Qatar releases two Norwegian journalists after detention Qatari security forces detained two journalists working for Norway's state broadcaster whom Doha accused of trespassing on private property. Qatar
As Netanyahu’s trial continues, Knesset advances term limit law Justice Minister Gideon Saar's proposed law to limit the term of the prime minister to eight years was approved at a preliminary Knesset hearing. Israel
Erdogan’s credibility plunges along with lira Turkey’s president has received the lowest grade from consumers in his political career as his controversial economic policy is expected to further fuel inflation in the coming months. Turkey
Iran-linked militia calls up thousands of volunteers to fight US forces An IRGC-linked armed faction in Iraq has urged men across the country to take up arms against any US forces remaining after Dec. 31, claiming to have received tens of thousands of "calls" from citizens willing to help. Iraq
Israel formalizes bilateral defense ties in Rabat In a first official visit to Rabat, Defense Minister Benny Gantz signed a landmark memorandum of understanding with his Moroccan counterpart Abdellatif Loudiyi. Israel
