Raisi: Iran 'never has hope' in Vienna talks Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has struck a pessimistic tone commenting on the nuclear talks between Iran and world powers. Iran
Iraq receives 145% more foreign visitors in 2021 Iraq waived the visa requirements for citizens of many economically powerful countries last year in a bid to attract tourists and businesspeople. News Brief
Saudi Arabia building support for Expo 2030 bid The kingdom wants to host the international cultural forum, which is currently being held in Dubai. News Brief
Saudi IT industry to work with German software firm SAP on cloud technology The memorandum of understanding is the latest to come out of the LEAP technology forum in Riyadh, and reflects the kingdom’s diversification efforts. News Brief
Lebanese president highlights crisis of Syrian refugees at UN General Assembly President Michel Aoun said the presence of 1.5 million Syrians is having numerous negative effects on crisis-stricken Lebanon, which has the second-largest Syrian refugee population in the world. News Brief
Abbas warns Palestinian Authority will no longer recognize Israel Abbas' threat comes as the Biden administration shows little appetite for taking on the prospect of peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Palestine
Cyprus president criticizes Turkish policy in Iraq, Syria at UN summit The ongoing Turkey-Cyprus conflict was a major theme of Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades speech at the United Nations General Assembly summit in New York. News Brief
UN says at least 350K killed in Syria’s war, 'certainly an undercount' The United Nations' human rights office on Friday updated the death toll from Syria's civil war for the first time since August 2014. Syria
Hamas official reports progress in Israel prisoner exchange talks Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk said a deal could be weeks away. Israel
Hezbollah announces arrival of second Iranian fuel delivery The shipment could help Lebanon grapple with its worsening fuel crisis and also again defies US sanctions on Iran. News Brief
Erdogan says Turkish relations with US not 'healthy' Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan added that the trajectory of US-Turkey ties "does not bode well." News Brief
Bloody week in Yemen on border of government and Houthi territory Tens of fighters on both sides have died this week during fighting in the Shabwa governorate. Yemen
Two children die every week at Syria's al-Hol camp, charity says Fires are among the leading cause of death among children of suspected Islamic State fighters who are stranded in the al-Hol and Roj camps in northeast Syria. Syria
UAE, China discuss 'outstanding friendship' in call China is working on improving its relations with Gulf states, primarily focusing on development. News Brief
Iraq conducts airstrikes against ‘terrorists’ near Kirkuk The Islamic State is still active in Iraq, despite losing its territory in 2017. News Brief
Israel praises protest in New York against Iranian president during UN General Assembly Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi accused Israel of being behind “the biggest state terrorism,” at the United Nations headquarters, and also took shots at the United States over Afghanistan and the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol. News Brief
