Rare snowstorm hits Iraq and Syria Many people in the Kurdistan Region rejoiced while playing in the snow, but such conditions can be dangerous for others, especially those living in displaced people camps. Iraq
US diplomacy prompts Iraqi Kurds to allow aid through sealed Syrian border crossing The Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq has agreed to open one crossing between its territory and northeast Syria twice a month for the passage of vital aid. Iraq
US says no more funds for Sudan until civilian government restored Top US officials met with Sudanese military leaders in Khartoum and said financial aid would remain frozen. Sudan
Turkey’s pop queen draws sudden wrath over five-year-old lyrics Sezen Aksu, the reclusive diva of Turkish pop, has become the latest target of conservatives who accuse her of blasphemy. Turkey
Human rights in spotlight as Egypt's revolution anniversary nears In the run-up to the anniversary of the January 25 revolution that led to the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's comments on human rights at a youth forum in Sharm El Sheikh are met with a backlash from activists on social media. Egypt
Child recruitment leaves parents heartbroken in northeast Syria The PKK-linked Revolutionary Youth movement has continued its campaign of child recruitment in northeast Syria despite efforts from local authorities, and SDF chief Mazloum Kobane to stop the practice, leaving a trail of anguished parents in its wake. Syria
Iraq moves forward with building pilgrim route to Saudi Arabia The Iraqi government is showing interest in completing the pilgrim route linking Iraq and Saudi Arabia, which will facilitate the arrival of religious visitor convoys between the two countries and will enhance trade and political relations. Iraq
Israel signs agreement to buy three more German submarines While the Knesset debates opening an inquiry into the purchase of German submarines under the Netanyahu government, Defense Minister Benny Gantz has announced a new deal with ThyssenKrupp for the purchase of three more such vessels. Israel
Arrow 3 missile-interceptors add to Israel’s long-term plan against Iran The successful testing this week of the Arrow 3 anti-ballistic-missile system is part of IDF preparations against a nuclear-threshold Iran. Israel
Iran to host joint naval exercises with Russia, China US foreign policy appears to be pushing its major adversaries into each others' hands. Iran
The Takeaway: Can US guarantee Iran nuclear deal? From our regional correspondents: Turkey and Syria; Idlib’s rival factions; Egypt and Sudan; Israel’s ultra-orthodox and vaccines; and Iraq’s Islamic cemetery — the largest in the world. Iran
Biden and the Middle East: Year one review It's been one year since Joe Biden was sworn in as US president. We take a look at his statements on the Middle East and see where things stand today. United States
Putin, Raisi look to boost trade, regional cooperation in Moscow talks Ebrahim Raisi's trip to Moscow is unlikely to further elevate relations between the two countries. Russia
UAE seeks Pentagon’s support following drone attack on Abu Dhabi The UAE has asked the Biden administration to reinstate a prior terrorist designation for Yemen's Houthi rebels. Yemen
Will Iran recognize Taliban government in Afghanistan? While Tehran is proceeding slowly when it comes to establishing official ties with the Taliban government, recent talks highlight Iran’s interest in expanding its role in Afghanistan. Iran
UN agency seeks urgent support for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon The UNRWA said $87.5 million in new funding is needed to continue operations in crisis-ravaged Lebanon. Palestine
