Egypt freezes Russian MIR payments to avoid US sanctions Acceptance of MIR bank cards would have eased Russian tourists’ payments inside Egyptian hotels and resorts. Egypt
Egypt's released political prisoners get economic aid A presidential initiative puts former political detainees on economic track after their release. Egypt
Violence, suicide creep up as Lebanese population flounders Murder has gone up by 18% this year in Lebanon, but perhaps an even more insidious danger is a rise in mental distress and suicide. Lebanon
Turkish-backed Syrian group cuts off water to Hasakah Hasakah residents in northeast Syria have relied on buying water from private suppliers as their underground wells have dried up, while the Turkish-backed factions suspended pumping operations from the only water station supplying the city. Syria
Gaza schools impose hijab to students' dismay A decision to impose the veil on secondary school students in Gaza schools was rejected by both students and their parents who view this measure as an encroachment on personal freedom. Palestine
Choice of Saudi for Winter Games reflects worsening environment for major events Agence France-Presse
Iraq's commitment to OPEC oil reduction won't affect exports Iraq's oil reduction per the recent OPEC+ agreement will not affect the country's revenues, according to Iraq's oil minister. Iraq
Iraq, Jordan launch electrical grid connection project Iraq and Jordan launched a project for an electrical grid connection between the two countries in order to improve Iraq's electricity situation and boost economic ties between the two countries. Iraq
Analysis The Takeaway: As protests rage, is Iran moving toward nuclear deal? Netanyahu weighs in on Israel-Lebanon gas deal; Russia relies on Iranian drones in Ukraine; Israel escalates raids in West Bank; Lebanon pegs lira to dollar; democracy under siege in Tunisia. By Andrew Parasiliti In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security
Gulf's mid-year surpluses put allocation in question Flushed with cash from a post-pandemic oil boom, Gulf states once again face a choice: lifting up their citizenries’ short-term contentment or fiscal restructuring and investing in long-term productive assets. Gulf