Analysis From UNRWA to ICC, how Republican Congress would shift Middle East policy Bills to cut aid for Palestinians and expedite arms sales to Israel faced Democratic pushback, but they could now easily become law. By Megan Mineiro In Washington, DC, reporting on US Congress
Analysis Saudi Arabia to pursue two-track approach for Trump presidency Riyadh is likely to compartmentalize business dealings with incoming President Donald Trump separately from its foreign policy engagements, where there is likely to be disagreement. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
ICC issues arrest warrants for Israel’s Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas' Deif Six months after International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan submitted his request to prosecute them, the world court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Israel
Shin Bet chief discusses Gaza truce in Turkey: What we know The Israeli official's travel to Turkey marks a dramatic development considering that Ankara has not played a part in these negotiations over the past year and Israel-Turkey relations have significantly deteriorated amid the Gaza war. Israel
Iran calls exodus of Black staffers from Biden White House 'systematic racial discrimination' Iran has criticized the treatment of Black Americans before, but the Islamic Republic has its own issues with discrimination against Kurds, Arabs, Jews and others. Iran
Hunger strikes by prisoners continue in Egypt A number of political activists in Egyptian prisons have been on a hunger strike for several days to protest their denial of basic rights, at a time the president has called for a national dialogue with opponents. Egypt
Teenage Syrian refugees in Lebanon find cricket a welcome distraction Cricket is emerging as a tool for social transformation and improving Syrian refugees’ education. Lebanon
Turkey’s Alevis to open their houses of worship to LGBTQ funerals Turkey’s major Alevi organizations announce they will open their houses of worship to LGBTQ individuals in support of equal funeral rights. Turkey
Egypt’s ambassador say US should use leverage with Ethiopia amid Nile dam dispute Speaking at an Al-Monitor event in Washington, Motaz Zahran also addressed human rights issues and a plan to supply energy to Lebanon. Egypt
Turkish government discovers 'astroturfing' Seemingly acting on social media calls, the Turkish government cracks down on the secular lifestyle, experts warn. Turkey
Hope may be fading for release of Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah Alaa Abdel Fattah enters his sixth week of hunger strike. Egypt
Iran says it will execute Iranian-Swedish scientist Iran’s judiciary still plans to execute Ahmad Reza Jalali, an Iranian-Swedish citizen convicted of espionage. Iran
Egyptian political opposition prepares for national dialogue with government There are several questions among Egypt’s political circles following the president’s call for a national dialogue with opposition forces. Egypt
Egypt, EU sign development grants worth 138 million euros The European Union has provided Egypt with numerous grants in recent years, while also criticizing the country on some human rights issues. Egypt
Turkey’s Kavala conviction earns sharp rebuke from US The State Department expressed concern over Turkey's "continued judicial harassment" after a court in Istanbul sentenced philanthropist Osman Kavala to life in prison. Turkey
Turkish court jails philanthropist Osman Kavala for life in widely condemned trial After more than four years behind bars, Osman Kavala was sentenced in a case that rights groups and the opposition call a travesty of justice. Turkey
