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
Three dead following building collapse near Cairo Egypt has major problems with infrastructure safety and deadly incidents are not uncommon. News Brief
Egypt, Turkey agree to future talks, though issues remain The two countries have been working to repair their long-strained relations throughout 2021. News Brief
Syrian forces enter war-torn Daraa, opposition alleges rights abuses The Syrian government and rebel groups recently reached a cease-fire deal in the southern city that played a large role in the 2011 uprising. News Brief
Trial begins for 20 linked to Islamic State terror attacks in Paris The main defendant in the case, Salah Abdeslam, told the court on Wednesday that he was a "soldier" of the Islamic State. News Brief
Saudi Arabia says it welcomes Biden's order to release 9/11 files The Saudi Embassy in Washington said it hoped the documents' declassification would put an end to the "baseless allegations against the kingdom." Saudi Arabia
Egypt, Jordan, Syria agree to export gas to crisis-stricken Lebanon Syria also agreed to transfer Jordanian electricity to Lebanon, while Iran already sent fuel. News Brief
Taliban rules out relations with Israel A Taliban spokesman told a Russian news outlet that the Afghan Islamist group wants relations with other Asian states, but "of course" not Israel. News Brief
Amnesty report says Syrian refugees return to torture, rape The report documented human rights violations carried out by Syrian intelligence officers against 66 Syrians who returned to the war-torn country, including 13 children. Syria
Iranians set records at Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Iran is currently leading Middle Eastern states in medals won at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Iran
US sanctions four Iranians over plot to kidnap New York activist The newly designated Iranian intelligence operatives were charged in July with conspiring to kidnap a New York-based activist and journalist. Iran
Norway police seize nearly 100 artifacts reportedly missing from Iraq The cuneiform tablets and other artifacts were reportedly recovered from a private collection in Norway. Iraq
UAE sends aid to Taliban’s Afghanistan The delivery is the first from the United Arab Emirates since the Taliban seized control of the country during the US military withdrawal. Gulf
