One-third of Arab world food insecure in 2020, UN says The UN says a spike in undernourishment in the Middle East and North Africa was observed across all income levels, in both conflict-ridden and stable countries. News Brief
Hungary seeks Iran’s help stopping Afghan migration to Europe Hungary’s controversial Prime Minister Viktor Orban is a vocal critic of Muslim migration to Europe, and his government believes Iran can help stop the flow of people. News Brief
UK warplane shoots down 'hostile' drone near US base in Syria The latest drone incursion comes as indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran are on thin ice. Syria
Islamic State's spread beyond Syria, Iraq remains concern for US The State Department's annual report on terrorism said Islamic State branches outside of Iraq and Syria caused more fatalities in 2020 than any previous year. News Brief
Unprecedented drought pushes Iran's southeast to brink A new, grim estimate says Iran's already underdeveloped Sistan-Baluchistan province will have to brace not only for a worsening water crisis but for ripple effects as well, including severe economic and social repercussions. Iran
Tumbling lira favors foreigners seeking real estate in Turkey The freefall of Turkey's currency has provided new opportunities for foreigners looking to get into the country's real estate market. Turkey
Can Turkey's outreach to Armenia save US-Turkish ties? Although Turkey-Armenia normalization is not guaranteed, mutual moves by Ankara and Yerevan are hopeful steps in the right direction. Turkey
Soldier killed by suspected Israeli airstrikes in Syria The Syrian military has reported several Israeli missile attacks in recent weeks. News Brief
Kakai minority scores two seats in Iraqi parliament After years of absence, two female candidates from the Kakai minority managed to reach the Iraqi parliament following the fifth Iraqi legislative elections held on Oct. 10 for the provinces of Ninevah and Kirkuk. Iraq
Israeli politicians turn Iranian nuke threat into political campaign Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli politicians are not only campaigning for Israel’s security, they are also using the Iran threat as means to political promotion. Israel
Turkey rules suicide in death of Kurdish prisoner who alleged torture, rape A female Kurdish inmate who spoke up about rape, sexual harassment and torture in prison has died in solitary confinement in what the state has ruled suicide. Turkey
Turkish lira sinks further with Erdogan’s latest rate cut Ankara’s controversial economic policy coupled with external forces portend a continuing deprecation of the Turkish lira that will only worsen inflation and other economic parameters. Turkey
Many female candidates' faces hidden as West Bank votes During campaigning for the local council elections in the West Bank, the photos of many female candidates were withheld. Palestine
Israel to donate 1 million vaccine doses to African countries via COVAX Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced the country will donate to Africa states, through the global vaccine distribution partnership COVAX, 1 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines. Israel
Gadhafi’s son shakes up Libyan elections Elections scheduled for Dec. 24 are now uncertain because of haggling among Libya's political factions. North Africa
IAEA head meets UAE foreign minister in Dubai The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency praised the UAE's nuclear energy program. News Brief
