Turkish volleyball star becomes target of homophobic slur A conservative paper’s attack on a gold-medal-winning volleyball star for her sexual orientation has created controversy as Turks rallied to her defense. Turkey
UAE passport ranks among world's 'most powerful,' Iraq, Syria at bottom of list The 2023 Henley Passport Index features the world’s most powerful passports based on the number of destinations passport holders can access visa-free. United Arab Emirates
US calls for Egypt to immediately release researcher Patrick Zaki Zaki was sentenced to three years in prison over a 2019 article he wrote on Coptic Christians that prosecutors deemed "fake news." Egypt
Casualties in Syria after suspected Israeli airstrike The strikes occurred at a time of significant tension along the Israel-Lebanon border and in the West Bank. Israel
Turkey, UAE ink $50 billion in trade deals during Erdogan visit The $50 billion worth trade deals come as the Turkish government is struggling to draw foreign funds to ease its currency crisis. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Inside Iraq’s Chaldean Catholic Church battle with Iran-backed Christian group The Babylon Movement and its sanctioned leader, Rayan al-Kaldani, are feuding with Chaldean Patriarch Louis Sako, leading to significant controversy that now involves the United States and the Vatican. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Top US general pumps brakes on sending more forces to confront Russia in Syria Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley suggested there's little the US can do to stop Russian fighter pilots' free rein over Syria's skies but warned American forces will defend themselves if they detect "hostile intent." Syria
Biden pledges Iran 'never acquires nuclear weapon' as he hosts Israel’s Herzog In his comment before his meeting with Israel's President Isaac Herzog, President Joe Biden did not address the Netanyahu government's judicial overhaul plan. But he did reiterate the US commitment to Israel's security and the strong ties between the two countries. Israel
