Trump travel ban 2.0: Assessing the impact on Mideast nations Trump’s new decision excludes Syria and Iraq, both of which were part of his previous ban issued during his first term in 2017. Syria
EU sanctions Sunni factions accused of violence against Syria’s Alawites, Kurds As former rebel leaders take positions in the new Syrian government, Kurdish officials warn of renewed threats to their autonomy. Syria
Rise in antisemitism in US, Europe preceded Washington shooting: What to know In the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia, the number and severity of antisemitic incidents continue to rise. Israel
Iranian, Saudi officials in India as more airlines halt service amid Pakistan row Iranian and Saudi officials headed to New Delhi in separate visits following Indian airstrikes in Pakistan that raised fears of war between the neighboring countries. Iran
Pope Francis, voice for Middle East peace and first to visit Gulf, dies at 88 By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Ukrainian efforts to stir Circassians against Russia divide diaspora in Turkey A heated debate has erupted in the Circassian diaspora over calls to establish a Circassian battalion against Russia in Ukraine. Turkey
Israeli mayors stand against anti-gay legislator on education Mayors of liberal cities in Israel have joied the protest of outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid against anti-LGBTQ Knesset member Avi Maoz controlling the unit that decides on external education programs. Israel
New York ultra-Orthodox welcome ostracized Israeli rabbi Disgraced Rabbi Shaul Alter is banished from his Gur community in Israel, but he found a very warm welcome on a trip to the United States. Israel
Israel’s most religious, furthest right Knesset sworn in The 25th Knesset includes more far-right legislators, more ultra-Orthodox, fewer women, fewer Arabs and no Druze representatives at all. Israel
Turkish government criticized for creating new Alevi cultural agency Many Alevi associations have objected to the agency's placement with the Culture Ministry, which they say demonstrates the government’s refusal to recognize Alevis as a religious community. Turkey
Lebanon begins vaccination campaign as cholera cases soar The crisis-hit country’s collapsing water and sewage infrastructure has opened a breeding ground for waterborne illness. Lebanon
Netanyahu’s new coalition makes Israeli LGBTQ community anxious Leaders of the LGBTQ communities are afraid that the religious partners of Prime Minister-to-be Benjamin Netanyahu will curtail the rights achieved after long battles and campaigns. Israel
Israel, Jordan to restore Jordan River Israel and Jordan are creating a plan to rehabilitate and protect the Jordan River, making it a year-round water source with a healthy ecosystem. Israel
Iran maintains silence on 'massacre' in Sunni-majority city Iranian authorities were accused of covering up the killing of over 90 Balouch minority civilians in what activists are mourning as "the bloody Friday." Iran
Ultra-Orthodox campaigning goes digital as Israeli election nears In a dramatic shift from past elections, ultra-Orthodox parties have gone digital to keep up with their own constituencies. Israel
Erdogan’s pre-election gesture to Alevis met with suspicion Many leaders of Turkey’s Alevi community question the motives behind Erdogan’s plan to create a public authority in charge of Alevi houses of worship. Turkey
Israel warns dual citizens about travel to Russia Jerusalem tells Israeli-Russian citizens they could be drafted into Russian army. Israel
