Iran's currency dips to all-time low, basic prices skyrocket Recently launched government plans to restore stability to the troubled foreign exchange market proved no remedy, as ordinary Iranians continue to see their pockets shrink. Iran
Turkey's Kurdish opposition says government obstructing quake relief efforts Opposition politicians say the usurping of municipalities by government appointees has weakened their ability to respond to Turkey's Feb. 6 earthquake disaster. Turkey
Analysis As Germany's relations sour with Iran, pressure grows on Berlin to do more Activists in Germany are doubtful whether the expulsion of two Iranian diplomats will thwart the death sentence of German-Iranian national Jamshid Sharmahd. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Armenia’s FM in Syria as Turkey’s opposition declares solidarity with Assad In a statement released on Wednesday, the Munich Security Conference and others, called for "urgent action to overcome the political obstacles that are blocking humanitarian assistance" to Syria. Syria
In shift away from US dollar, Iraq to allow trade with China in yuan Some countries in the region are increasingly looking away from the dollar. Iraq
Oman opens airspace to Israeli flights, following Saudi Arabia Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen has thanked the Sultan of Oman and the Biden administration for an airspace agreement that will shorten Israeli flight times to Asia considerably. Israel
Turkey’s Central Bank slashes interest rates after devastating earthquakes The move is likely aimed at weathering the fallout from the devastating earthquakes in accordance with the Turkish government's economy policy to prioritize economic growth at the expense of inflation. Turkey
Analysis Israel raises interest rates in eighth consecutive hike in 10 months Fighting rising inflation, Bank of Israel Gov. Amir Yaron took the unpopular decision of increasing the interest rates to 4.25%. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
