UAE security official meets Iranian president in Tehran Both Emirati and Iranian officials have signaled a desire in recent months to reduce tensions and improve relations between the two. News Brief
Government critic elected to lead Union of Turkish Bar Associations Defeating a pro-government incumbent, Ankara Bar Association Chair Erinc Sagkan was elected head of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations on Sunday, pledging to strengthen the rule of law and independence in Turkey’s legal profession. Turkey
Erdogan says Turkey seeks to clear up 'misunderstandings' with Gulf states President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the remarks ahead of a two-day visit to Qatar. Turkey
On Israel with Ben Caspit Raz Zimmt: Trump-Netanyahu’s Iran strategy pushed Tehran in the wrong direction Ben Caspit
UAE says French fighter jets no substitute for US F-35 The head of the UAE's air force sought to clarify comments by France's President Emmanuel Macron last week. United Arab Emirates
Turkish opposition leader barred from data center as mistrust in data grows Turkey’s official inflation figures have fueled tensions between the government and the opposition amid growing doubts over the credibility of the data. Turkey
Egypt to text people to receive booster shot Iraq and Israel have also begun administering booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. News Brief
Iran official says Tehran relied on prior agreements at Vienna talks An Iranian official has said that their country’s draft of recommendations was based on the nuclear deal and did not discard the previous round of talks. Iran
Saudi Arabia's MBS embarks on tour of Gulf states Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will visit Qatar for the first time since Saudi Arabia ended a yearslong blockade on its Gulf neighbor. Saudi Arabia
Israeli minister advances Israeli-Palestinian airport near Jerusalem Instead of plans for a new Jewish neighborhood across the Green Line, Meretz Minister Esawi Frej proposes to rebuild the Atarot Airport so that it serves both Israelis and Palestinians. Israel
Erdogan vows response to Cyprus mosque arson attempt The Turkish president said an attempt to burn down the mosque on the disputed island “will not go unanswered,” while the Cypriot press said the incident was not related to religious or ethnic strife. News Brief
Israeli left opposes Omicron phone tracking After being criticized by human rights groups, Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz has stopped the Shin Bet's tracking of Omicron-infected Israelis. Israel
Global crime index paints gloomy portrait of Turkey A recent report by Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime indicates that organized crime may not always have a confrontational relationship with the state, and Turkey is a case in point. Turkey
Israel settlement expansion risks escalation in Hebron Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s November 28 visit to the Tomb of the Patriarchs has highlighted a seemingly pro-settler approach to government policies in the already tense city. Palestine
Hundreds of offerings to Egyptian fertility goddess uncovered at Luxor A team of Polish archaeologists working at the temple of the goddess Hathor in Luxor has discovered hundreds of artifacts that were once used as offerings to the ancient Egyptian gods of love and fertility. Culture
Egypt trains marriage registrars to investigate divorces The Justice Ministry and Dar al-Iftaa organized training sessions for marriage registrars to investigate cases of verbal divorce before its official authentication in a bid to reduce the high divorce rates. Egypt