Iraqi finance minister resigns over continuing political crisis Finance Minister Ali Abdul-Amir Allawi has resigned from his post in the Iraqi government. Iraq
Syria, Iraq form joint business council Relations between Syria and Iraq were poor in the 20th century but have gradually improved in the security and economic spheres in recent years. Syria
In rare move, Israeli ultra-Orthodox establish West Bank outpost For the first time, ultra-Orthodox families established yesterday an illegal West Bank outpost. Israel
US base in Syria targeted with rocket fire, coalition says Rockets landed near the Green Village base, marking the second projectile attack on US forces in Syria on Monday. Syria
Iran’s response to EU conveys 'initiatives' on restoring nuclear deal After submitting its response to the European Union’s proposal on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran says it's waiting answers on its own “practical ideas and initiatives.” Iran
Netanyahu undeterred by ex-army chief joining rival camp Ex-IDF Chief Gadi Eizenkot joined this week the party of Defense Minister Benny Gantz, but opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu believes this move is not going to block his own way back to power. Israel
Saudi Public Investment Fund acquires shares in Amazon, Google, Uber The sovereign wealth fund led by the crown prince has shown a strong interest in technology such as video games. Saudi Arabia
Third filling of Nile dam heightens Ethiopia-Egypt crisis Ethiopia announced it has completed the third filling of the reservoir for its controversial dam on the Blue Nile, amid harsh reactions from its neighbors. Egypt
Turkey completes more than 62,000 homes in Idlib, but will refugees return home? Syrian refugees fear that the Turkish government will go ahead with its plan to deport them to northwest Syria. Syria
Islamic State threatens Kurdish workers in northeast Syria The Islamic State is threatening to kill employees in the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria in the countryside of Deir ez-Zor if they continue to report to their jobs. Syria
Cash-strapped Lebanese turn to online civil marriages Najwa Sbeity and Omar Abdel Baki's civil wedding ceremony that they held online went viral, enticing more people to opt for this option despite the religious backlash and bureaucratic difficulties. Lebanon
Israeli delegation pays rare visit to Indonesia While Jakarta is reluctant to advance diplomatic ties with Jerusalem, there is room to expand trade and economic relations. Israel
