Turkey arrests dozens of foreign Islamic State suspects Ankara has made sweeping arrests of suspected Islamic State militants. News Brief
US to warn UAE banks, firms against sanctioned Iran dealings The Wall Street Journal reports that US officials will warn petrochemical companies, private firms and banks of "extreme risk" for noncompliance. Iran
Car ownership drifts beyond reach of millions of Turks Turkey’s currency crisis coupled with exorbitant taxes levied on cars has dealt an enormous blow to the domestic automotive market. Turkey
Israeli foreign minister meets Egyptian president in Cairo Foreign Minister Yair Lapid met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in another sign of strengthening bilateral ties. Israel
Six years later, ex-Islamic State stronghold in Iraq feels left behind As a former ISIS stronghold, Hawija feels rejected and neglected both nationally and internationally. Iraq
Will other Gulf states follow UAE decision to shift workweek? The Emirates' push to better align its economy with global markets elicited mixed reactions across the Gulf. Gulf
Lebanese opt for new emigration destinations amid crises Lebanon is witnessing one of the biggest waves of emigration in its history as the country faces its worst socio-economic conditions amid a worsening political crisis; Turkey, Armenia and Georgia have become new destinations. Lebanon
UAE is Australia’s top trading partner in the Middle East An Australian trade official praised the two nations' relations while attending Dubai Expo 2020. News Brief
Kuwait detects first case of omicron variant Kuwait's announcement follows the detection of cases in Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Kuwait
The Takeaway: What to expect in next round of Iran nuclear talks Iran’s dismal economy; Saudi defense reforms; Sudan-Ethiopia border dispute; Israeli settlements increase in Hebron; Mosul’s robot waiter; Luxor’s long-lost fertility goddess. Iran
Beirut port explosion probe resumes work The investigation into the deadly blast was suspended in October after a Hezbollah-linked politician filed a lawsuit. News Brief
Ankara keeps jailed Kurdish leader from seeing lawyers, family Jailed Kurdistan Workers Party leader Abdullah Ocalan was banned from all outside contact reportedly for “chatting with his fellow inmates.” Turkey
Camels disqualified from Saudi beauty pageant over Botox injections More than 40 "enhanced" camels were barred from competing in the monthlong festival near Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Senate fails to block missile sale to Saudi Arabia The Biden administration has said the AIM-120C missiles are to help Saudi Arabia defend itself against hostile drone attacks from Yemen. Saudi Arabia
In apparent mix-up, France releases man suspected of Khashoggi murder links A Saudi national held over suspected ties to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was released Wednesday after Paris officials determined the arrest was a case of mistaken identity. Turkey
Iraq blames militias for Basra explosion that killed four The Basra explosion caused by a booby-trapped motorcycle was aimed to assassinate an Iraqi investigative officer in charge of the militia's illegal activities in the province. Iraq