Jihadi leader's donation to IDP camps in Syria questioned as PR stunt Some observers feel that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani's donation of $1 million to displaced camp residents is more about public relations than benevolence. Syria
Iraq receives 145% more foreign visitors in 2021 Iraq waived the visa requirements for citizens of many economically powerful countries last year in a bid to attract tourists and businesspeople. News Brief
Belarus leader denies Russian claims about sending troops to Syria Belarus’ leader has said a Russian government document claiming an agreement with Moscow to send Belarusian troops to Syria is false. Syria
Iran hard-liners overjoyed with new missile Iran’s hard-liners are having a moment of patriotic jubilation with the unveiling of a new long-range missile with a menacing name. Iran
Doha Bank releases 2021 profits The Qatari bank reported a slight increase in profits compared to 2020, though it experienced a loss in its amount of total assets. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey's media watchdog threatens to block 3 international outlets Turkey’s broadcasting watchdog will give three international media organizations a matter of days to obtain a formal license and avoid being blocked in a first use of its regulatory authority outside the country. Turkey
Turkish attacks stop displaced Iraqi Yazidis from returning home Turkey's regular targeting of Sinjar region is affecting the area badly and preventing displaced people from returning. Iraq
Turkish unemployment down at end of 2021 Turkey is in the midst of an economic crisis, marked by historically high inflation. The government has misled the public with its unemployment figures in the past. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israel freezes spyware exports Israel's Defense Ministry has taken multiple steps to control the exportation of spyware, but the Pegasus affair continues to grow in Israel and abroad. Israel
Baghdad announces crackdown on drug trafficking, gangs in Maysan Security file in Maysan governorate has become a priority for the Iraqi government following assassinations, armed tribal conflicts, organized crime and drug trafficking. Iraq
Afghan evacuees in UAE protest US resettlement delay From their shelter in Abu Dhabi, the protesters demanded they be resettled in the United States. United Arab Emirates
Popular anger simmers in Turkey over ballooning electricity bills Electricity bills have doubled and even tripled in Turkey after massive price hikes, fueling frustration with Erdogan’s economic management. Turkey
