Israel campaigns for inclusion in US visa waiver program Israel is willing to enable Palestinian Americans to transit its territory on the way to the West Bank, in order to allow its citizens to travel to the US without obtaining a visa in advance. Israel
Israeli military downs Hezbollah drone The drone crossed into Israel via Lebanon, according to Israel. Hezbollah has not commented on the incident. News Brief
Qatar awards translation prizes in China Qatar’s ambassador to China presented awards for Arabic-Chinese translation to promote the fostering of understanding between the Arab world and China. News Brief
Drought-stricken Iran sinks under deadly floods Heavy flooding has battered Iran's south and southeast, the same areas that have been hardest hit by drought in recent years. Iran
US coalition in Iraq halts second drone attack in two days Coalition forces in Syria also hit back in response to rocket fire near al-Omar oilfield. Iraq
Soccer adds to Egypt-Sudan-Ethiopia tensions Soccer politics is at play as Sudan's Al-Merrikh Club insists to play its match against Egypt's Al-Ahly in CAF's Champions League in Ethiopia, giving rise to fears in Egypt from possible fan violence. Egypt
Defense minister sets tone for Israeli diplomacy His invitation last week for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to come and met him in his home, earned Defense Minister Benny Gantz a much stronger spot in Israel’s political leadership. Israel
Israeli ultra-Orthodox society breaks silence on sexual abuse The apparent suicide of popular writer Chaim Walder, suspected of years-long sexual abuse, may generate a real change inside the ultra-Orthodox society and break the code of silence. Israel
Israeli leaders expect Iran nuclear deal in 2022 Behind closed doors, Israeli sentiments are deeply negative. Israel
Palestinian embroidery represents social, cultural identity on UNESCO list Palestinians praise the registration of embroidery on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List after Israeli attempts to attribute the traditional embroidered Palestinian dress to themselves. Culture
Syria receives vaccine doses from China The move was the latest sign of friendship between Beijing and Damascus. News Brief
Syrian soldiers killed in deadly Islamic State ambush in Deir Ezzor The Syrian army loyal to Bashar al-Assad has struggled to control the country's eastern desert. Syria
Saudi coalition demands Houthis release UAE vessel seized in Red Sea The Houthis claimed the ship was carrying military equipment and conducting "hostile activities" in Yemen's territorial waters. Yemen
Protests in New York after man wearing Israeli military shirt attacked The incident was the latest showcasing divisions in the United States’ largest city over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel
Israel rolls back foreign travel curbs, but US tourists remain barred Beginning Jan. 9, foreign travelers from nearly 200 countries deemed medium risk can travel to Israel. Israel
Turkey rolls out homegrown vaccine amid surge in Omicron cases Turkish health officials claim the vaccine Turkovac is efficient against Omicron, while experts warn of a lack of data. Turkey
