Saudi Arabia’s falcon auction aims to spin tradition into tourism gold Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is seeking to diversify its economy and cultural tourism. Saudi Arabia
Despite outrage, Iran expands dog-walking ban across multiple provinces Dog ownership has become the focus of new restrictions as Iran's government looks to police public space. Iran
Turkey’s stray dogs killed in droves after passage of Erdogan-backed law The legislation was rammed through parliament last month by AKP lawmakers and their nationalist allies in the face of nationwide protests. Turkey
Turkey passes controversial stray dog bill amid fears of imminent mass culling Activists fear the bill will lead to massacres of the country's roughly 4 million stray dogs and government critics are concerned it will be used to coerce opposition-controlled municipalities. Turkey
Analysis Turkey’s opposition fears political motives behind stray dog bill By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Camels disqualified from Saudi beauty pageant over Botox injections More than 40 "enhanced" camels were barred from competing in the monthlong festival near Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Idlib opens first zoo A zoo featuring both wild and domestic animals has opened in Idlib as part of a larger project to restore normal amenities to the war-torn region of Syria. Syria
Turkish politics get dirtier as dog framed for pooping on train Boji, the stray dog that has captured hearts riding trains across Istanbul, has become the target of a smear campaign in the most literal sense. Turkey
Camels weep as their young perish in Syria’s killer drought Camels are a miserable canary in the coal mine of Syria, which is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years. Syria
Inside Jordan’s first hotel for cats A Jordanian couple who have been rescuing stray cats for years opened the first five-star hotel in Amman offering cat-friendly services. Jordan
The Takeaway: Khamenei warns neighboring Azerbaijan over Israel ties Egypt’s Nile encroachers; Morocco and Ethiopia; Turkey and Syria; Israel’s looming budget showdown; Lebanon’s zoo animals; Egyptian mummy faces revealed; Gilles Kepel talks with Alaa Alaswany — all in about 1,400 words! Iran
Istanbul street dog becomes social media influencer Boji the street dog has amassed thousands of followers, including a politician or two. Turkey
Saudi Arabia hosts major falcon festival The practice of falconry, whereby trained birds hunt for prey on behalf of humans, is common on the Arabian peninsula. News Brief
Gaza blockade leaves horses hungry Arabian horse owners in the Gaza Strip are struggling to keep their horses healthy amid crippling food and medicine shortages. Palestine
Did whales originate in Egyptian waters? A group of Egyptian scientists discovered a 43 million-year-old fossil in "Whale Valley" — now in the Western Desert. Culture
Israel continues demolition of Palestinian homes in the West Bank Israel expanded its policy to demolish houses and facilities of Palestinians, including those funded by international donors. Palestine
Gaza’s pets also traumatized by Israeli shelling Veterinarians in Gaza are warning that the lack of medicines and fodder will affect animals who have suffered injuries or psychological problems during the latest Israeli war. Palestine
