Iraqi prime minister visits site of Islamic State attack Mustafa al-Kadhimi met with Kurdistan Region security forces in disputed Makhmour. News Brief
Israel scrambles to deal with spike in violence in Jerusalem An Israeli woman was stabbed yesterday in Jerusalem, in another violent incident perpetrated by a Palestinian. Israel
On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman Nicholas Danforth: Erdogan’s hands are not tied by his political allies, still has power to reverse Turkey’s downward spiral Amberin Zaman
Iran's chief negotiator says burden is on West, not Iran, for next move in nuclear talks Ali Bagheri Kani may wait for the other side to bring "something to the table" now. Iran
Iran says window for talks not 'open forever' as Vienna dialogue resumes Iran insists that it wants the original terms of the nuclear deal fully implemented. Iran
Turkey's good relations with Qatar may not be enough for Erdogan Erdogan’s Qatar visit failed to produce agreements that could help the ailing Turkish economy, but he wants to maintain Turkey’s partnership with Qatar, including military ties, while making efforts to reconcile with Gulf rivals. Turkey
Israel updates regulations on intelligence software exports Human rights groups are critical of an updated agreement for exports of Israeli-developed spyware. Israel
Israel maintains eligibility for major EU science funding program The Israeli government has signed on to the European Union’s 2021-2027 Horizon program, which offers funding and cooperation on research and development in various domains. Israel
Ancient Gaza monastery restored by unemployed young Palestinians For the third year in a row, a Palestinian team under French supervision works on the restoration of St. Hilarion Monastery in Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp. Culture
Iran security head claims US seeks to resurrect Islamic State A top Iranian official attributed the ouster of the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq to Tehran-backed militias while claiming that Washington seeks to revive the extremist group. Iran
Yemen measure stripped from US defense bill as Saudis up bombing Rep. Ro Khanna's amendment would have barred US maintenance support and weapons sales that contribute to Saudi-led offensive strikes in Yemen. Gulf
Intel: US announces Iran, Syria sanctions ahead of democracy summit The US Treasury Department announced new sanctions on Iranian and Syrian targets in the run-up to the administration’s virtual gathering of the world's democracies. U.S.
Turkey and Qatar sign cooperation agreements Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan cemented his country’s alliance with Qatar during a visit to Doha, signing agreements on disaster management, banking and more. News Brief
UAE switches to Saturday-Sunday weekend, shorter workweek The move means the United Arab Emirates will share a weekend with the Americas, Europe, and much of Africa and Asia. Many Middle Eastern states retain the Islamic workweek. News Brief
German video reignites Turkish Circassian controversy Turkey’s Circassian groups have found themselves in the crosshairs of nationalist parties after complaining of assimilation. Turkey