World Bank says Mideast, North Africa ripe for 'digital transformation' Despite the regions' potential, the use of the internet for financial transactions is low in the Middle East and North Africa, according to a new World Bank report. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israel implements some but not all sanctions against Russian oligarchs Israel’s leadership said that the country will not enable Russian oligarchs to bypass Western sanctions, but at the same time it did not commit clearly to adopt all the sanctions. Israel
Iran among world leaders in nanotechnology The Islamic Republic has prioritized making products via nanotechnology, which refers to the production of materials and objects from molecules or atoms. Iran
Will Erdogan draw lessons from Putin's Ukraine mistakes? As Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan watches Russian forces flounder in Ukraine, he may be rethinking his own ambitions — or concluding that Turkey is in a better spot than ever. Turkey
Analysis The Takeaway: Done deal? Iran nuclear talks appear back on track Putin opens door to Syrian fighters in Ukraine; Egyptian students’ harrowing escape from Ukraine; Hamas keeps quiet on Ukraine while building mega-mosques; Lebanon’s cancer crisis; and more … in about 1,300 words. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
In Istanbul, fleeing Russians mull next step of self-exile Thousands of Russians fearing the political and economic fallout of the Ukraine war have fled to Istanbul, with most planning to travel on to Europe or former Soviet republics. Turkey
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