Iraq's parliament sets date for selecting president from Kurdish ranks The selection of Iraqi president have been delayed because of the sharp division between the two main Kurdish parties over which candidate should fill the role reserved for their group. Iraq
Israel, Egypt launch new flight route ahead of Passover Following up on the September meeting between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Jerusalem and Cairo announced the opening of a flight route between Tel Aviv and Sharm el-Sheikh. Israel
Saudi GDP grew 3.2% in 2021, highest in seven years Saudi economic progress includes growth in the non-oil sector, as foreign direct investment moves more slowly. Saudi Arabia
Iran releases Iranian-British citizens as nuclear talks wrap up Two Iranian-British citizens are on the way home after the United Kingdom settled a decades-old debt to Iran. Iran
Egypt bans export of key staples to cushion blow of Ukraine war To contain the repercussions of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Egypt banned for three months the export of wheat, flour, rice, pasta, oils and beans. Egypt
Syrians outraged by luxurious lifestyle of Turkish-backed rebel leaders Videos of Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army leaders and members showing off their luxurious lifestyle have sparked controversy in the opposition-held areas in northwestern Syria, where inhabitants live in poverty. Syria
Mixed feelings in Israel over Bennett’s mediation efforts on Ukraine The Israeli opposition is criticizing Prime Minister Naftali Bennett as overeager to drag Israel into the Russia-Ukraine quagmire. Israel
Biden administration plans to sell F-15 fighter jets to Egypt The proposed sale has been in the works for years and is bound to raise opposition on Capitol Hill. United States
Analysis Saudi considering China’s yuan for oil purchases Saudi Arabia and China have been growing closer for years, and the news comes at a time of frustration among Gulf states with the US. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Iran reports more trade with neighbors Iranian President Raisi has prioritized increasing regional trade in response to Iran's economic woes, achieving mixed results. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Iran says Russia won't block nuclear deal Iran's top diplomat was in Moscow in what appeared to be a push to bring Russia back onboard the nuclear talks after they were stalled presumably by Russia's "unrelated" demands. Iran
