Iran is seeking billions in arms deals from Russia, White House says Moscow may send Iran fighter aircraft as Pentagon officials warn the tactical relationship could evolve into strategic cooperation. Russia / Mideast
A Syrian exodus: Some 30,000 refugees return home after Turkey's earthquake The UN's refugee agency stresses that Syrian refugees who visit their homeland can return to Turkey later. Turkey
New rail network on track to bring billions into UAE economy The railway will serve the UAE’s sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions in the road transportation sector. Gulf
Artistic heart of Iraq's Kurdistan thrives, but wants more public engagement Sulaimaniyah, often called the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s “culture capital,” has become something of a haven for artists, though obstacles remain for the vibrant and self-sustaining artistic center they envision. Iraq
Analysis Iraq's religious authorities stay out of Shiite conflict Iraq's top Shiite religious authority, Ayatollah Ali Sistani, remains influential in Iraqi politics, but is remaining silent at a dangerous time for the country amid high tensions among Shiite parties. By Ali Mamouri
UAE's IDEX weapons fair brings in Russia, China, and billion-dollar deals The United Arab Emirates’ defense expenditure amounted to $22.5 billion last year and is expected to reach $28.6 billion by 2027. Gulf
