Armenia, Azerbaijan inch toward shaky peace deal but key issues unaddressed There is mounting speculation that talks will result in a deal to establish diplomatic relations, but many outstanding issues will remain. By Amberin Zaman In Paris, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Yellen urges Israel to ease West Bank’s economic woes Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called for Israel to reduce barriers to commerce in the West Bank and reinstate work permits for Palestinians that were revoked after Oct. 7. Israel
Sudan’s Burhan arrives in Libya as war leaves more than 8 million displaced Eastern Libya-based military strongman Khalifa Hifter has been accused of fueling the conflict in neighboring Sudan by sending weapons and other supplies to paramilitary forces fighting the Sudanese army. Sudan
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy in Saudi Arabia to talk prisoners, Russia war Saudi Arabia has taken an increasingly active role in mediating the Ukraine-Russia war while maintaining friendly relations with both states. Gulf
As Palestinians head to Russia, Abbas ponders least bad option for PM A large Palestinian delegation will head to Moscow this week to try and reach consensus on a postwar government that could include Hamas representatives in an expanded Palestine Liberation Organization. Palestine
Qatari emir in France to discuss Gaza war, economic deals — and talk Mbappe Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has a wide-ranging agenda on his first state visit to Paris. Qatar
Qatar’s first VC fund of $1B expected to 'fuel startup ecosystem in region' The program has two objectives: to generate market-level commercial returns for Qataris and to develop a “vibrant VC and startup ecosystem” in line with the country's national development strategy. Qatar
Analysis Israel hits Hezbollah deeper in Lebanon, but full-scale war not there yet The downing of an Israeli military drone by a Hezbollah missile does not bode well for international efforts to prevent war on the Israel-Lebanon border. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Jordan arrests dozens in crackdown against drug smuggling from Syria Dozens of people were arrested inside Jordan, as the kingdom ramps up efforts to fight drug smuggling attempts mainly on the border with Syria. Jordan
Ex-Israeli military intel chief: Hamas split, Netanyahu govt derail Gaza deal Former intelligence chief Tamir Hayman believes that a Gaza cease-fire could open opportunities for normalization with Saudi Arabia. Israel
