Iran bans travelers from four European countries Governments around the Middle East are instituting restrictions aimed at mitigating the spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19. Iran
Turkey cracks down on bootleg alcohol ahead of New Year celebrations Following news of bootleg-related deaths, the Interior Ministry launched Operation Alcohol across the country, while critics say the government uses these high-profile operations to demonize alcohol consumption. Turkey
Syrian authorities seize large shipment of captagon and hashish Captagon is an amphetamine that is widely used in Syria, including by armed groups. News Brief
Israeli contractor working on Gaza security wall injured by gunfire Palestinian farmers were also injured by Israeli military artillery fire in response to the shooting. News Brief
Israel's Gantz announces confidence-building measures after hosting Palestinian President Abbas After hosting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at his home in Rosh Ha’ayin, Defense Minister Benny Gantz announced a series of confidence-building measures for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Israel
Suez Canal to establish sovereign wealth fund The Suez Canal Authority has unveiled a plan to establish a sovereign wealth fund to shield the canal from fluctuations in global trade and crises like COVID-19. Egypt
Islamic State cells impose levy on oil investors in northeastern Syria Islamic State cells are imposing levies on oil investors who have been contracted to work in oil fields in agreement with the controlling forces in northeastern Syria, as a share of the oil investment in a bid to finance their activities. Syria
Despite pandemic, Israeli high-tech industry soars The Israeli high-tech sector has thrived through the end of 2021, with Israeli unicorns making more money than ever before and entering the US stock exchanges. Israel
Opposition-led government in Syria's Idlib increases taxes on motorcycles Civilians in northwest Syria, where motorcycles constitute a common and inexpensive method of transport, are struggling to pay several new taxes imposed by the HTS-led government. Syria
New Kuwaiti government sworn in for third time this year There are three members of parliament from opposition parties in the Cabinet. News Brief
Turkey’s attack on Syrian Kurds aims to deepen intra-Kurdish rift The Christmas day attack on members of the Syrian Revolutionary Youth marks a new level of escalation in Ankara's ongoing military campaign against Kurdish groups linked to the US-supported autonomous administration in northeast Syria. Turkey
Iran vows to blow up Israel's Dimona first if war breaks out After striking a mockup model of the Israeli nuclear facility with ballistic missiles in a recent war game, Iran said the site will be a prime target in any potential war with Israel. Iran
Israel concerned over Hamas involvement in West Bank attacks There are voices in Israel demanding retaliation against Hamas whenever it gets involved in West Bank terror attacks. Israel
Citroen accused of promoting sexual harassment with Amr Diab ad for SUV The Egyptian pop star takes a picture of a woman seemingly without her permission in the commercial. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
The Takeaway: Iran seeks sanctions assurances as West loses patience Negotiators meet again in Vienna as the US warns Iran is "playing with fire." Plus, the Islamic State's recruitment drive, a transatlantic scandal in Israel, Lebanon's solar energy surge, and more. Iran
Turkey records big increase in COVID-19 cases Turkey has relatively high rates of vaccination, and authorities are now pushing people to take booster doses. News Brief
