Ethiopia to generate electricity from GERD amid negotiations deadlock Ethiopia will produce energy from the controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in a move likely to heighten existing tensions with Egypt and Sudan. Egypt
Israeli environmentalists, neighbors blast plan for new town in Negev Despite Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked's enthusiasm, both green groups and neighboring towns are unhappy with a plan to build a new village near the Gaza border. Israel
Kataib Hezbollah member’s family massacred in Baghdad An assassination attempt on a member of the Popular Mobilization Units and the massacre of his wife and children have raised questions about security in the Iraqi capital amid continuing US-Iran geopolitical tension in the region. Iraq
Hamas plans to continue using cryptocurrencies for operations Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz signed an order to seize more than $800,000 on cryptocurrency on its way to Hamas, but a spokesperson for the movement said that the Israeli announcement was exaggerated. Palestine
Israel angles for benefits from new deal with Iran Having reached the conclusion that a new Iran deal is inevitable, Israel is now focusing on getting tactical assurances and military support from the United States. Israel
Israel greenlights surrogacy for same-sex couples, single men In a historic move, Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz announced last week that as of Jan. 11, surrogacy procedures will be open for everyone in the country, same-sex couples, single men and transgender people included. Israel
Poverty forces Syrian children to skip school, collect ordnance For several child workers in the Idlib countryside, the detritus of war has become their livelihood. Syria
Nubians demand repatriation during Sisi visit Nubians in Upper Egypt still seek return to the land of their ancestors, after years of forced displacement, amid complaints of political and cultural marginalization. Egypt
Sultan Qaboos’ environmental legacy hits economic roadblock in Oman Strict environmental laws protected Oman’s pristine ecosystems, benefited public health and strengthened tourism’s value proposition, but will it last? Gulf
Israel ends restrictions on international travel Israel is currently reporting a record number of COVID-19 cases, but very few deaths. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey, Iran react to Kazakhstan unrest Diplomats from both countries have refrained from making powerful statements on the situation in the Central Asian country. News Brief
US man charged with gathering files on opponents of Egyptian government The Justice Department said Pierre Girgis used his connections with local law enforcement collect information about US-based critics of the Egyptian government. News Brief
Iraq records first omicron cases Five cases were confirmed in Dohuk province and an unknown number of infections were recorded among foreign diplomats in Baghdad. Iraq
Palestinian killed in West Bank shooting Israeli and Palestinian officials offered different accounts of the incident, which occurred amid of high tensions in the Palestinian territory. News Brief
UN accuses Syria of failing to answer for chemical weapons program The UN's top disarmament official said Syria's full disclosure was "essential" to resolving outstanding issues. Syria
Netherlands cuts funding to Palestinian group blacklisted by Israel The decision came despite the fact that a Dutch government audit determined the Union of Agricultural Work Committees had no "organizational ties" to a Palestinian terrorist group. Israel