Protests erupt over Israeli plan to plant trees near Bedouin villages Area Bedouins protested this morning against the Jewish National Fund's plan to plant trees on land they use for agriculture. Israel
Son of top PLO official released after two years in Egyptian prison Egyptian-Palestinian activist Ramy Shaath, an advocate for the Israel BDS movement, was released after Shaath agreed to renounce his Egyptian citizenship. Palestine
As omicron spreads, Israelis turn against Bennett Many Israelis feel that the government and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett have lost control over battling the spread of the coronavirus omicron variant. Israel
Egypt tests economic outreach to Syria through labor unions Cairo looks to labor unions to strengthen ties with Damascus . Egypt
Syrian Kurdish forces require displaced Arabs to obtain 'expat card' to remain in their areas The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is requiring Arabs displaced from all Syrian regions who are living in the areas under their control to obtain an expatriate card to be allowed to enter or remain. Syria
Journalists in Turkey see media domain narrowing as elections approach Media workers under pressure mark Working Journalists Day and fear further clampdown on independent journalism. Turkey
Two dead after truck plunges into Nile River in Egypt The incident near Cairo was the latest transportation-related tragedy in Egypt. News Brief
Young Chadian leader sees partner, role model in Sisi Mahamat ibn Idriss Deby Itno is seeking Cairo's support to manage the country's transition. Egypt
Moscow struggles to sell fighter jets in the Mideast With Egypt and Algeria reportedly backing out of plans to acquire Russian-made fighter jets, there is speculation Tehran could emerge as a potential buyer. Iran
Pressure mounts on Iran's health minister amid personal vaccine saga The impeachment motion was triggered by a leaked document showing that the health minister had received an imported vaccine, contradicting his earlier claims that he had been jabbed with a government-promoted, domestic one. Iran
Qatari, Iranian foreign ministers meet in Doha The visit followed the Iranian foreign minister's trip to Oman. News Brief
Iraqi forces arrest Syrian 'infiltrators' at border Iraq announced a similar incident late last year. News Brief
UN extends Syria cross-border aid without challenge from Russia The Biden administration eased restrictions on aid groups working with the Syrian government in November. Syria
Protesters block roads in Lebanon as currency hits new low Lebanon’s economic crisis continues to get worse. News Brief
Yemeni government retakes Shabwa province from Houthis The advance could relieve pressure on embattled Marib if pro-government forces can hold their ground. Yemen
Iraq's credit rating lifts with final reparations payment to Kuwait Iraq paid Kuwait a final installment of war reparations more than 31 years after the invasion of Kuwait, which may free up funds for new domestic projects. Iraq