UAE official says new corporate tax 'entrepreneur friendly' Minister says tax will be offset by reduced business fees at event hosted by the DC-based Atlantic Council. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Russian invasion of Ukraine would spell more economic turbulence for Turkey War would bring Turkey under intense pressure from its Western allies to join putative sanctions against Russia, a critical trading partner and supplier of natural gas. Turkey
Iraq keeps wary eye on prison security after Islamic State jailbreak in Syria The dire effects of massive jailbreaks a decade prior and the thousands of Islamic State convicts and suspects in Iraqi detention have induced greater attention to facilities in the country following an attack across the border. Iraq
Israeli minister keeps up campaign against growing settler violence Public Security Minister Omer Bar Lev's efforts are being challenges by other Cabinet ministers and Knesset members. Israel
Iran nuclear deal will be a tough sell in Congress Unless the US and Iran reach an agreement that imposes meaningful, long-term restrictions on Tehran's nuclear activities, any deal reached in Vienna is unlikely to prove politically durable. United States
Efforts fail to revoke Israel's observer status in African Union Attempts by Algeria and South Africa to present for a vote and to reject Israel's status as observer at the African Union organization failed, as the group decided to postpone for the year the leaders' debate on the issue. Israel
Iran talks to resume Tuesday as negotiations enter final phase Negotiators will return to Vienna days after the United States approved several sanctions waivers related to Iran’s civilian nuclear program. Iran
Iran emerges as catalyst for closer ties on Turkey-UAE-Israel triangle Attacks on Emirati and Turkish targets by forces hostile to normalization with Israel are unlikely to be just coincidence as the prospect of new regional partnerships irks Iran. Turkey
Foreign minister says Iran sees no 'serious initiative' from US Ahead of the resumption of talks in Vienna, the US has waived some sanctions. Iran
Israeli attorney general regularizes West Bank outpost, infuriates left Foreign Minister Yair Lapid sent Prime Minister Naftali Bennett an angry letter, protesting against the clandestine regularization of the illegal Evyatar West Bank outpost. Israel
Egypt signs major arms deal with South Korea Egypt and South Korea signed a $1.66 billion deal to provide K9 self-propelled howitzers manufactured by Hanwha Defense to Egypt, and to locally develop arms, as the Egyptian army continues to diversify its weapons sources. Egypt
Chinese companies lose tenders for Israeli light rail Chinese companies lost tenders for light rail in the Tel Aviv area, apparently following American pressure against Chinese involvement in strategic projects in Israel. Israel
Hamas targets Sufis in Gaza Sufis have opposed the way the Hamas government came to power, prompting the movement to shut down their institutions and restrict their religious activities. Palestine
Researchers argue over fetus found inside Egyptian mummy After a Polish archaeological team claimed to find a “pickled” fetus inside an ancient Egyptian woman, other scientists have questioned their conclusions. Egypt
Proposed domestic violence bill prompts rare criticism of Al-Azhar sheikh Remarks by a prominent cleric saying it is permissible to hit a spouse "to preserve the family" has sparked backlash against Al-Azhar. Egypt
Explainer: Russia’s Mediterranean port in Syria Several Russian warships have arrived in Tartus in western Syria, and this could affect a potential conflict with NATO over Ukraine. News Brief
