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
Kurdish media: situation in Qamishli calmer following clashes with Syrian government There was more fighting between the Kurdish Asayish and pro-government National Defense Forces in the northeast Syrian city last night. News Brief
Turkey to enter full lockdown after virus surge President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced new restrictions beginning on Thursday, which include the in-person closure of all schools and most businesses. News Brief
Turkey orders arrests of 532 suspected of Gulen links The widespread operation targeted alleged followers of the Pennsylvania-based preacher blamed for the 2016 attempted coup. News Brief
Turkey to begin making Russia's Sputnik V vaccine The Russian COVID-19 vaccine would add an alternative in Turkey to the Chinese version currently in use. News Brief
UAE condemns 'right-wing extremist groups' for violence in Jerusalem The Emirati statement referred only to Jewish groups in "occupied" east Jerusalem in a relatively rare public criticism of its new Israeli ally. News Brief
Tunisian film nominated for country's first Oscar "The Man Who Sold His Skin" was nominated for best foreign film at the Academy Awards, the first-ever nomination for Tunisia. News Brief
Saudi Arabia bans Lebanese produce over drug smuggling concerns The Lebanese Foreign Ministry called on authorities to do more to stop smuggling in response. News Brief
Three rockets fired from Gaza toward Israel The rockets come at a time of high tensions between Jews and Arabs in Jerusalem and between Israel and Iran. News Brief
Egypt, Russia agree to resume flights to Red Sea resorts Russia suspended flights to Egypt in 2015 after the Islamic State brought down a Russian airline over the Sinai peninsula. News Brief
Biden calls Erdogan ahead of expected Armenian genocide labeling The White House readout of the call between the two leaders did not mention the Armenian genocide. News Brief
Iranian forces seize weapons shipment in southwest The area near the Iraqi border is the site of economic misery and separatist activity from Arab groups. News Brief
Protests by Jews and Arabs continue in Jerusalem Both communities have attacked each other during violent protests in the holy city this week. News Brief
