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
Iraqi Kurdistan reinstates travel ban Daily coronavirus cases are approaching historical highs in the autonomous part of northern Iraq as vaccination efforts proceed at a crawl. News Brief
Palestinian shot dead by IDF in checkpoint incident The Israeli military and the Palestinian Authority reported the incident differently, as is often the case. News Brief
Iranian intelligence arrests alleged Israeli spy A man was executed last year for allegedly spying on Iranian forces for Israel and the United States. News Brief
Yemen's Houthis behind deadly attack on Aden airport, UN report says The Houthis previously denied responsibility for the attack, which came as Yemeni government officials disembarked from Riyadh. Yemen
Dubai nabs alleged French drug dealer Moufide Bouchibi, who allegedly operated a major cannabis network in Europe, has been wanted by the French authorities for 10 years. News Brief
Libyan National Army prisoners of war released The move was a further sign of reconciliation between Libya's rival administrations. Libya
Former Egyptian PM Kamal al-Ganzouri dies at 88 Ganzouri, who died in a hospital following a "long struggle with illness," twice held the title of prime minister. News Brief
Turkey blasts 'unfounded allegations' in US human rights report The annual US government report described "significant human rights issues" in Turkey. News Brief
Iranian foreign minister meets Afghan president The meeting follows the hosting of a Taliban delegation by Iran earlier this year. Iran is critical of the US military presence in Afghanistan, and the Biden administration has not committed to the May deadline to remove American troops from the country. News Brief
Andrew Yang continues criticism of BDS movement The New York City mayoral candidate has made headlines for his opposition to the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement, which opposes Israel's policies toward the Palestinians with a variety of boycotts. News Brief
Senators introduce bill to strengthen Israeli-Arab normalization agreements Both Democrats and Republicans signed on to the legislation, which would mandate more action on fighting Islamophobia and anti-Semitism and boosting Israeli-Arab exchange programs, among other things. News Brief
Kurdish forces in northeast Syria conduct security raid in al-Hol camp The United Nations said the operation in al-Hol interfered with humanitarian services, but the US military, which supported the operation, said the disruption was minimal. Violence has increased greatly in the camp this year. News Brief
