Abraham Accords, World Cup drive increase in Israeli air traffic Ongoing rapprochement and the World Cup tournament currently underway in Qatar have driven a significant increase in air traffic to the region via Israel. Israel
Killing of dog enflames Turkish animal lovers on issue that divides society Video of animal shelter worker beating a dog to death leads to protests and questions over treatment of stray animals. Turkey
Saudi electric car company Ceer to build factory near Red Sea Ceer, which will be Saudi Arabia’s first electric vehicle-maker, is the latest Saudi project to help the oil-rich kingdom diversify. Gulf
The Gulf Briefing: swapping petrodollars for assets In this weekly newsletter, Sebastian Castelier rounds up the biggest stories from the Gulf region. Gulf
Israel bans Gaza from importing donkeys Gaza is banned from importing donkeys after an Israeli NGO claimed they are transported to China for the skin and meat industries. Palestine
Netanyahu’s far right coalition putting Israel on collision course with Washington To close the deal on a new government, opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu will need to accept demands from the far-right, which the Biden administration is likely to oppose. Israel
Syrian opposition gears up for Turkish ground operation As the Turkish-backed opposition factions prepare for an imminent Turkish ground operation against Kurdish forces in northern Syria, questions arise about the potential participation of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in the battle. Syria
Lebanon's Shura Council suspends ban on LGBTQ event Despite the court's ruling in August, the Lebanese interior minister has continued to ban LGBTQ gatherings. Lebanon
World Cup soccer ball made in Egypt Egyptian officials have praised a local company for manufacturing the official World Cup soccer ball currently held in Qatar, hoping to expand globally in this field. Egypt
Qatar signs deal to sell Germany natural gas The agreement demonstrates the continued significance of Qatar's natural gas, despite pressure to transition to renewable energy. Gulf
Syrian children in Idlib take part in own World Cup Refugee and internally displaced children in Idlib are taking part in the "Camps World Cup" event. Syria
