Thousands of Iranians protest water scarcity in Isfahan The demonstrations in Isfahan follow widespread protests over water shortages in the oil-rich southwestern Khuzestan province in July. Iran
AI played 'big role' in approach to pandemic, says UAE artificial intelligence minister Omar Al Olama, the UAE’s AI Minister, explains how COVID-19 has been an accelerator for AI applications; why the US and China would benefit from a ‘constant dialogue’ on AI; and why ‘the new roads that we need to be building right now are roads in the digital realm.’ Gulf
Iran denounces US sanctions over election interference Iran said the new sanctions imposed on a group of Iranians for alleged election meddling were a continuation of the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" campaign. Iran
Syrian singer Omar Souleyman released from Turkish custody Souleyman was accused of having links with the the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, a charge his manager denied. News Brief
UK moves to label Hamas as terror organization Home Secretary Priti Patel described Hamas as "fundamentally and rabidly anti-Semitic" and said there's no difference between its military and political wings. Palestine
Oman invests in ports with eye to becoming Gulf gateway Oman is betting on strategically located ports and container terminals to expand its logistics sector, hoping to serve as a prime gateway to Gulf markets. Gulf
Israeli-Egyptian meetings mark rapprochement progress The expected visit to Israel in a few days of Egyptian Intelligence Chief Abbas Kamel reflects the trend of rapprochement in recent months between Jerusalem and Cairo. Israel
Iraq flies hundreds back from Belarus border as EU adds sanctions Iraq has brought back over 400 of its citizens who chose repatriation after weeks stranded in dire conditions on the Belarus border and failed attempts to enter the EU. Iraq
Israeli president’s call with Erdogan may go beyond detainees’ release Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s friendly chat with his Israeli counterpart Isaac Herzog could be signal that he is ready to turn a page in Turkey’s strained ties with Israel. Israel
HTS makes rival jihadis in Syria's Idlib take Sharia courses, give up weapons Hayat Tahrir al-Sham managed to eliminate the jihadist Jundallah organization, forcing its operatives to hand over their weapons and take Sharia courses. By Khaled al-Khateb
Egypt coordinates with Tanzania as Ethiopian dam negotiations paused Egypt ramps up coordination efforts with Tanzania amid fading hopes of resuming GERD negotiations. Egypt
Residents of Tunisian village protest massive toxic landfill A mounting trash crisis in central Tunisia has put the small town of Aguereb, host to the region’s largest landfill, center stage. North Africa
Sudan protesters vow escalation after 15 shot dead in Khartoum The UN human rights chief slammed the killings of Sudanese protesters and called on the military to reinstate the government following last month's coup. Sudan
US sanctions senior Houthi leader over Yemen extortion campaign The US Treasury sanctioned the senior Houthi leader for "assets confiscated by Houthi opponents." Yemen
Egypt appeals to keep US-led forces in Sinai Cairo is working to persuade the Biden administration to keep the US-led Multinational Force and Observers in the Sinai Peninsula. Egypt
US charges two Iranians over campaign to influence 2020 election The US Treasury Department also announced sanctions on the Iranians and an Iran-based company for their role in the alleged influence campaign. Iran
