Turks keep holding on to dollars as mistrust in Erdogan lingers Ankara’s currency-defense scheme has stopped the lira’s nosedive for now, but there is no tangible sign that a return to the lira has begun to reverse the alarming dollarization in the country. Turkey
Lebanon and Iraq ink defense cooperation agreement Lebanese Defense Minister Maurice Sleem is in Iraq for an official visit. News Brief
Yemen’s Houthis say Sanaa airport reopen to flights after bombing The UN envoy for Yemen said the recent escalation was "among the worst" seen in the conflict in years. Saudi Arabia
Israeli, Russian foreign ministers discuss key regional issues via phone With the second round of Iran nuke talks resuming in Vienna, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid speaks on the phone with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. Israel
Egyptian travel companies profit on Turkey visits due to falling lira Egyptian tourism companies are seeking to take advantage of the low exchange rate of the Turkish lira to promote their programs in Turkey even after the summer season is over. Egypt
Kuwait women allowed into military as struggles for rights continue Women are now allowed to enroll in Kuwait’s military, but will not participate in combat; they will be only working in support units, like medical, administrative, and technical departments. Gulf
Israel's Bennett gets scolded by the White House Refusing an Israeli request for a phone call between Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and US President Joe Biden, the White House clarified the rules of the game and what kind of relationship they expect between the two leaders. Israel
Palestinians decry 'cultural theft' as Miss Universe contestants wear Bedouin clothes Palestinians found it offensive for the contestants in Miss Universe 2021, which was held in Eilat, to wear the traditional Palestinian dress, and are now demanding that Israel be held accountable for what they deemed cultural "theft." Palestine
Egypt, Russia partner to ensure food security for Africa Egypt and Russia discussed a partnership between them to establish a logistic free zone in Cairo to store grains, which would greatly contribute to food security in Egypt while also benefiting neighboring countries. Egypt
Turkish government probes city of Istanbul employees for alleged terror links The municipal government of Turkey’s largest city is run by the Republican People’s Party, which stands in opposition to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. News Brief
In Egypt, elation at Turkish currency crisis As Turkey faces a currency crisis, its toughest in years, Egyptians are enjoying the spectacle from the sidelines, remembering many confrontations over the past decade. Egypt
Iran nuclear talks resume in Vienna Iranian officials say they are ready to stay as long as necessary in this latest round of talks. Iran
Turkey urges Russia to moderate demands on NATO over Ukraine President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is offering to mediate the crisis, but its not clear Turkey has enough leverage to do so effectively. Turkey
Iraqi court certifies election results Many Iran-backed militias rejected the results of the October election in which they performed poorly. News Brief
Saudi-led coalition renews airstrikes against Yemen's Houthis Riyadh-led airstrikes came after Yemen's Houthis launched a projectile into the southern Saudi province of Jizan, killing two people late last week. Saudi Arabia
Turkey’s pro-Kurdish party seeks justice for murdered party volunteer The Peoples’ Democratic Party charges that the prosecutors are reluctant to fully investigate the links of the health worker who attacked the party’s office in June. Turkey
