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
Protests challenge local Iraqi authorities The popular protests erupted in rejection of local administrations since parliamentary blocs in Iraq neglected to hold provincial elections. Iraq
Netanyahu sues Olmert for defamation Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert faced in court former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is suing him for libel over saying that Netanyahu and his family members are "mentally ill." Israel
Israel’s Lapid celebrates 10 years since founding Yesh Atid Ten years after founding his own party, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid keeps low profile so as not to jeopardize his chances of taking over the premiership in a year and a half. Israel
Israel pledges to keep US in loop on trade with China In the face of growing American concerns, Jerusalem has reportedly promised Washington it will keep it abreast of any major business deals with Beijing. Israel
Hundreds of migrants detained outside of UN center in Libya The migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers were camping out near the building in the Libyan capital, Tripoli. By Al-Monitor Staff
Egyptian rights group suspends operations after 'hostile' targeting of staff The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information said the decision to close its doors came after "many strenuous attempts to continue to operate, despite the difficult conditions.” Egypt
Turkey caught off guard in Kazakhstan as Russia emerges on top Ankara has offered "all kinds of support" to help restore order after the central Asian nation was rocked by violent protests. Turkey
Kuwait breaks daily COVID-19 cases record but deaths remain low Coronavirus cases are soaring in several Gulf states, though per capita infections are well below those of other countries. News Brief
Iran calls for US to unfreeze Afghan funds amid humanitarian crisis Following a visit by Taliban envoy Amir Khan Muttaqi to Tehran, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said it wasn't ready to formally recognize Afghanistan's new rulers. Iran
Iranian foreign minister visits Oman Oman's top diplomat voiced support for the Iran nuclear deal during the meeting. Iran
Gulf foreign ministers, GCC chief visit China for talks GCC Secretary General Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf said the five days of meetings will "contribute to enhancing GCC-Chinese relations." Saudi Arabia
