UAE finds natural gas off coast of Abu Dhabi Like other Gulf states, the Emirates is working to diversify its economy and rely less on energy. News Brief
Israel signs security cooperation agreement with Bahrain On a first public visit to Manama, Defense Minister Benny Gantz signed a memorandum of understanding, formalizing the security relationship between Israel and Bahrain. Israel
Israeli consumers angry over cost-of-living hike With the cost of living rising steeply, and with the poor getting even poorer, Israel’s government is facing plenty of angry citizens. Israel
Passenger flights resume between Turkey, Armenia The return of commercial flights follows productive normalization talks between Turkey and Armenia in Moscow. News Brief
Islamic State leader killed in overnight US raid in Syria The operation near the Turkish border followed a deadly Islamic State prison break in Syria last month. Syria
Turkish inflation hits two-decade high, inches toward 50% With annual producer inflation reaching 93.5%, further price increases appear in store for Turkish consumers in February and March after consumer inflation sets a two-decade record in January. Turkey
Will Sadr lead Shiite political scene, exclude Iran's allies from Cabinet? Iraq's Sadrist movement head Muqtada al-Sadr seeks to lead the Shiite political decision and establish himself as the sole representative of the Shiites in the next Cabinet. Iraq
Palestinian Authority reports large increase in industrial production The water, mining and energy sectors were responsible for the boost. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israel takes part in naval exercise with Saudi Arabia, Oman Israel is for the first time taking part in the US Navy-led International Maritime Exercise. Israel
Iran’s economic policies lacking vision Efforts to conceive and execute a coherent economic policy were never going to be easy, but six months into the Raisi administration, the task is growing harder because of internal disagreements over both philosophy and bureaucratic turf. Iran
The Takeaway: Yemen’s future may be affected by Iran talks Iran and Israel; Iran and China; Iran and Turkey; Hamas alternative to "Fauda"; and more … all in less than 1,400 words. Gulf
Emirati firm sends massive vacuum unit to Iraqi refinery The head of Gulftainer’s Iraq operations said the shipment shows the industry is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. By Al-Monitor Staff
US to deploy fighter jets, Navy destroyer to UAE after missile attacks Houthi barrages on the UAE are stress-testing Biden’s commitment to end US involvement in Yemen’s civil war. Yemen
Council of Europe starts disciplinary process for Turkey over Kavala Rights groups are calling for Osman Kavala's immediate release, while Ankara calls the Council of Europe’s decision to start the lengthy process “malicious” and “politically motivated.” Turkey
Saudi Arabia signs drone development deal with telecom giant The Kuwaiti company has a drone subsidiary and the new partnership could help Saudi Arabia further diversify its economy away from oil. News Brief
Turkey, Ukraine to sign free trade agreement Turkish-Ukrainian trade is on the rise and Ukraine recently used Turkish combat drones against Russia-backed forces. News Brief
