Denmark moves to ban Quran burning Recent Quran burnings in Denmark and Sweden have reignited the debate on freedom of expression and led to security concerns. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Lebanon’s acting central bank chief pleads for reform as crisis continues Wassim Mansouri has been urgently calling on the Lebanese government to enact reforms since becoming acting governor of Banque du Liban following the end of the embattled Riad Salameh’s term. Lebanon
Ukraine's Zelenskyy meets with Turkish FM as Black Sea pressure rises The revival of the Black Sea grain deal was likely the top agenda item in the Turkish foreign minister’s meeting with Ukraine's leader as Ankara distances itself from Western efforts to set up alternative routes. Turkey
Drought puts Morocco’s water infrastructure projects into overdrive Morocco’s budget for water infrastructure is rising as desalination and dam projects advance amid droughts and increasing international partnerships. North Africa
Libya captures Islamic State leader behind 2018 capital bombing The Islamic State has exploited the chaos in Libya to extend its influence. North Africa
US condemns Israel’s Ben-Gvir over 'racist rhetoric' Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who said his right to move freely in the West Bank was more important than that of Palestinians, has faced growing international criticism, including from US model Bella Hadid. Israel
Middle East offers strong market for AI content dubbing The region is ripe for translated content as Arabic is widely spoken and there is a strong appetite for digital media due to a young population. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia mulls Chinese bid to build nuclear plant The news will irk Washington, which wants Riyadh to not be able to develop nuclear weapons. Saudi Arabia
Turkey ends lira protection scheme as banks tally up damage With Turkey’s inflation on course to hit 70% by the year-end, the plan to convince depositors to shift to regular deposits with yields well below the inflation rate appears unviable. Turkey
Analysis Does Israel’s government want to curb deadly crime wave in Arab sector? Despite electoral promises, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has nothing to show in terms of stopping spiraling violence in Arab Israeli towns and villages. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel to review visa policy, ease entry for evangelical Christian NGOs Leaders of the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem want Israeli authorities to find a lasting solution to problems involving work visas for clergy and foreign staff. Israel
Egypt honors India Bohras for preserving country's Fatimid mosques The Dawoodi Bohra community, which originates in India, has been renovating and maintaining Egypt's Fatimid mosques since their arrival in the 1970s. By Salwa Samir In Giza, reporting on politics
