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
Libyan commander loyal to Hifter assassinated in Benghazi Mahmoud al-Werfalli had been indicted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and was under US and EU sanctions. Libya
Qatar reimposes several COVID-19 restrictions The government did not say exactly why it ordered the closures and capacity restrictions. Qatar has begun vaccinating people against the coronavirus and daily cases are relatively low, though increasing. Qatar
1 in 4 casualties in Yemen's war are children, aid agency finds A report from Save The Children says at least 2,341 children were killed during the last three years of Yemen's civil war. DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
UAE finance minister dies at 75 Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who was also deputy Dubai ruler, served as finance minister for several decades and was known for his charity work and race horse ownership. News Brief
Israel strikes Hamas following election day attack Israeli jets hit several targets in Gaza on Wednesday following a rocket attack in southern Israel while Prime Minister Netanyahu was campaigning there. News Brief
UN investigator in Khashoggi case says she was threatened by Saudi official Agnes Callamard told The Guardian that a UN colleague informed her a visiting Saudi official threatened to have her "taken care of" during a meeting in Geneva in January 2020. Saudi Arabia
French president announces reopening of embassy in Libya Emmanuel Macron met with head of Libya’s Presidential Council Mohammad Younes Menfi in Paris on Tuesday. News Brief
Rocket from Gaza hits Israel on election day The rocket landed near Beersheba while Prime Minister Netanyahu was campaigning there. News Brief
Palestinian Authority ups COVID-19 vaccination drive The PA has begun administering doses obtained through the World Health Organization and plans to receive more soon. Palestine
Nawal el-Saadawi, renowned Egyptian writer, dies at 89 As a prominent Egyptian feminist, doctor and novelist who wrote more than 50 books on taboo social issues in a deeply conservative country, Saadawi fiercely campaigned for the end to the practice of female genital mutilation. Egypt
Several dead in northwest Syria fighting Civilians were killed in both government and rebel territory on Sunday. News Brief
