Turkey's Erdogan threatens Syrian Kurdish groups as local elections near The Turkish president said his country would "not hesitate to take action" as Ankara dials up its threats of a fresh military incursion into regions held by Kurdish-led groups in Syria. Turkey
UAE main destination for smuggled African gold, report claims Swissaid estimates that 405 metric tons of gold, mostly mined by small-scale or artisanal miners, were smuggled out of Africa in 2022 and ended up in the UAE. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Can Gulf investors outstrip China in Africa as UAE expands reach? As the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC states boost investments in Africa,Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative could face serious challenges. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Mossad says Iran behind attacks on Israeli targets in Sweden, Belgium Two months before the Olympic Games in France, the Mossad warns that criminal organizations are acting on Iran's behalf to target Israelis and Jews across Europe. Israel
China's largest Arab summit wraps with 'Beijing declaration': What we know The meeting in Beijing in the presence of Arab leaders comes as the war in Gaza rages on, while China seeks a wider role in the region. Palestine
Despite postponement of MBS' visit, Saudi-Japanese ties on upswing The increase in high-level visits and overall mutual visits has been the most notable aspect of the development of Saudi-Japanese relations in recent years. By Yuka Ando
Egypt's Sisi gets red-carpet welcome in China, discusses infrastructure projects Beijing is hosting leaders from Egypt, the Gulf and Syria this week for the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, another example of strengthening ties. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Iraq recovers over 6,000 stolen historical artifacts, government says An Iraqi official says the Iraqi government’s efforts to get back historical artifacts smuggled out of the country were focused on Mosul, which was overrun by ISIS in 2014. Iraq
