Syria, Iraq discuss boosting trade The two countries also discussed cooperation on oil imports earlier this year. News Brief
The Takeaway: Did Israeli PM help break deadlock over US weapons sale to UAE? Also: The Gulf and climate; Syrian refugees return from Belarus; Israel expands Golan settlements; Egypt wants assurances on gas pipeline; China-Ethiopia ties unsettle Egypt; Iran threatens sanctions on US; Building Sharjah … all in less than 1,200 words! By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
As Turkey names new envoy for Armenia, skepticism prevails Moves for reconciliation between the two longtime opponents have been met with surprise by observers, who see ulterior motives on Turkey's part. Turkey
Democratic lawmakers urge sanctions on Israel's NSO Group The congressional letter also called for sanctions on three other foreign surveillance firms. News Brief
Gulf states cooperate on defense, Iran and economic integration at summit The Gulf Cooperation Council held their annual summit in Riyadh this week, indicating a degree of unity among Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other states on regional issues. News Brief
US, Palestinian officials hold first economic dialogue in five years The US-Palestinian Economic Dialogue covered infrastructure development, access to US markets, US regulations, free trade and other financial issues. News Brief
Syrian airline launches flights to Pakistani city An official from Cham Wings Airlines said he hopes the flights to Karachi will help boost trade between Syria and Pakistan. News Brief
US Navy tests laser weapon in Gulf of Aden The USS Portland fired the prototype laser at a floating training target, the Navy said in a statement. News Brief
Iran will permit IAEA to replace damaged cameras at nuclear site Iran and the IAEA have agreed to reinstall cameras at a nuclear facility that were destroyed in a sabotage attack over the summer. Iran
Gulf stock markets add listings, but foreign investors still skeptical A flurry of stock listings in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Dubai raise hopes of broadening the investor base. Gulf
Blinken says US will move forward with F-35 sale to UAE Blinken's comments came after the Emirati government said it was suspending discussions on the sale. News Brief
Israel focused on Syria as well as Iran A report by the Washington Post has attributed two attacks to Israel in the past year and a half against Syrian military facilities linked to its past chemical weapons program. Israel
Fatah wins small victory in Palestinian local elections The slight victory of candidates supporting Fatah in the local council elections appear to have boosted the morale of the Palestinian leadership and opened the door for elections in major cities. Will the Hamas leadership agree to that in Gaza? Palestine
Israel returns trafficked artifacts to Egypt Israel returned dozens of looted archaeological pieces to Egypt in a new sign of improving relations between the two countries in recent years. Egypt
Qatar’s presence in eastern Mediterranean benefits Egypt, Turkey Qatar is enhancing its presence in the eastern Mediterranean that is rich in oil and gas reserves at a time when tensions are ripping through the region over the maritime borders and excavation rights. Egypt
Egyptian Parliament reopens debate on Quran's place in curriculum When the Egyptian Parliament recently considered a bill intended to support the use of Standard Arabic, the discussion grew heated between a a representative of Al-Azhar and a parliamentarian who objected to provisions about Quran memorization in primary school. Egypt