Abbas seeks Putin’s help to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace process The Palestinian Authority is trying to urge Russia to play a more effective role in the peace process through its position in the international Quartet and to call for an international peace conference. But there are still no serious indications of Russia’s responsiveness. Palestine
Western Wall rabbi in eye of storm Progressive Jews believe Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz is preventing them from obtaining an egalitarian prayer space, but for the ultra-Orthodox, Rabinowitz is too much of a compromiser. Israel
Deteriorating Turkish lira hurts residents in Syria's Idlib The depreciation of the Turkish lira against the US dollar has resulted in worsening living conditions in Idlib and increased the people’s resentment against Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Salvation Government, which they hold primarily responsible for the economic crisis. Syria
Zawyeh Gallery expands Palestinian contemporary art collection to Dubai The Palestinian Zawyeh Gallery has opened a second location in Dubai. Gulf
Children in Lebanon go hungry as economic crisis worsens More than half of families polled by the UN reported their children skipping meals, according to a recent survey. News Brief
Yemen death toll to reach 377,000 by year's end, UN says A new report from the the UN Development Programme estimates 1.3 million people will die if the war in Yemen continues through 2030. Yemen
IAEA chief holds 'intense' talks in Tehran amid uncertainties Aimed at encouraging Iranian cooperation, Rafael Grossi’s visit could play central to the trajectory of the upcoming talks on the revival of the nuclear deal, which has been in tatters since the US withdrawal in 2018. Iran
Egypt, Qatar agreement with Israel, Hamas provides boost for Gaza economy The economic agreement allows $10 million worth of food, fuel and supplies, as well as a boost for salaries. Palestine
Student protests continue in Iraq’s Kurdistan region The students are demanding a return of stipends paid to them by the government that were cut during the Islamic State crisis, according to Kurdish media. News Brief
Erdogan seeks foreign policy score amid currency crisis Despite its currency’s meltdown, Turkey’s President has still room to maneuver in the foreign policy field. Turkey
Kuwaiti prime minister asked to form third government this year Kuwait's often fractious politics have seemed to have increased since the death last year of Emir Shaikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah. News Brief
Turkish politics get dirtier as dog framed for pooping on train Boji, the stray dog that has captured hearts riding trains across Istanbul, has become the target of a smear campaign in the most literal sense. Turkey
Israel-UAE trade reaches $700 million Israel’s representative in Dubai said there is going to be a “surge” of business between Israel and the Emirates. News Brief
Israel calls on Ankara to close Hamas offices in Turkey Following the killing in Jerusalem of Eliyahu Kay by a Hamas member linked to Turkey, and following the exposure of a West Bank Hamas cell led by the Hamas Turkey office, Jerusalem is calling on Ankara to shut down the group’s activities in the country. Israel
Syrian-Kurdish couple sets Amude's cinema ghosts to rest Since a deadly fire in 1960, going to the cinema has been taboo in the Kurdish town of Amude in northeastern Syria, and a couple who recently emigrated from Europe hopes to change things. Syria
