Second Sudan cease-fire goes into effect with nearly 300 killed The international community has been calling on the military and rival forces to stop the fighting as the death toll rises. Sudan
US, India, UAE, Israel announce creation of I2U2 joint business coalition The new coalition will see officials and business councils from the four countries collaborate to attract private sector partners to the I2U2 initiative. Gulf
US warns of 'troubling escalation' in Tunisia after Ghannouchi arrest The State Department expressed alarm over the stifling of political activity under Tunisia's increasingly authoritarian president, Kais Saied. Tunisia
Turkey arrests journalist over 'sleaze' charges against government Serdar Akinan’s alleged crime was to share and comment on videos accusing numerous members of the ruling party and their business cronies of corruption and engaging in extramarital sex. Turkey
Qatar's Sheikh Jassim still confident in Manchester United takeover bid The son of a former Qatari emir is reportedly still assured that his debt-free bid to take over the soccer club will succeed, despite an ESPN report suggesting that the current owners, the Glazer brothers, will now stay put. Gulf
Breaking | Last Updated: April 19, 2023, 3:23 pm New US sanctions target network supporting Iran's drone program Since September, the Biden administration has issued multiple rounds of sanctions targeting Iran’s drone and missile programs. Iran
Is Turkey’s shutdown of Hatay airport designed to help Erdogan in polls? Hatay's mayor says the continuing halt of flights mean evacuees are unable to return for May 14 polls amid wider concern for election security. Turkey
Lebanon raises minimum wage from $27 to $92 a month Hundreds of retired soldiers protested outside government headquarters as the Cabinet discussed an increase in public sector salaries. Lebanon
Morocco uses ties with Israel to improve water, food security As Morocco battles water and food insecurity, Israel is becoming a strategic partner, with a number of sustainable solutions reflected in recent deals. North Africa
In UAE, Brazil’s Lula looks east for climate investments, peace brokering President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva looks to exert Brazil's power in a geopolitical landscape that has significantly shifted since he last held office. Gulf
Iraqi religious official dies of heart attack following escape from prison Saad Kumbesh, the former head of Iraq's Sunni waqf, died after he was caught by police. He was serving time for corruption before his escape. Iraq
Turkey detains six Islamic State, al-Qaeda suspects Turkey has stepped up its security operations against terrorist groups, ahead of the decisive May 14 elections. Turkey
