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
Ultra-Orthodox address mental illness in Israel Bayit Cham battles against the attitude still prevalent among many ultra-Orthodox families that mental illness is something that needs hiding. Israel
Russia, Ukraine exchange barbs over Israeli pilgrimage to Uman Moscow and Kyiv are exchanging accusations of endangering Israeli Jews wishing traveling to the Ukrainian town of Uman for the annual Jewish New Year pilgrimage. Israel
Iran-linked militias claim arrest linked to threats to disrupt religious holiday Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units have conducted numerous arrests of alleged 'Bathists' in recent days that raise questions about the legitimacy of the arrests and the political reasons behind them. Iraq
Rabbinical ruling helps Jewish Israeli women get divorced Attempting to pressure a husband who refuses to grant a divorce writ to his wife, the Israel Chief rabbinate ruled that his father would be prevented from being buried in Israel when the time comes. Israel
Gendarmerie operation sparks controversy in Petra, Jordan Petra’s tribal entrepreneurs react to a security operation carried out inside Jordan’s most-visited UNESCO World Heritage Site with criticism and concern for their livelihoods. Jordan
Western Sahara dispute spills into Tunisia A diplomatic crisis is brewing in the Maghreb region amid tension between Morocco and Tunisia after President Kais Saied received the leader of the Polisario Front. North Africa
Israeli settlement intended for ultra-Orthodox draws new residents After years of failure to attract ultra-Orthodox residents, the West Bank settlement of Emmanuel is starting to interest middle-class families. Israel
On visit to Algeria, France’s Macron advances post-colonial reconciliation The presidents of France and Algeria signed Aug. 27 a pact for a new partnership between the two countries, announcing the setting up of a joint historian commission to explore the colonial period, alleged French crimes and the bloody eight-year independence war. Algeria
Israeli Arabs make it into the top 10 Meretz Party Knesset list Regional Cooperation Minister Essawi Frej is not running in the upcoming November elections, but Israeli Arab Ali Salalha managed to secure a realistic spot at the Meretz Party primary. Israel
Far-right platforms take shape in Israeli primaries The Religious Zionism primaries show how far the national-religious stream has veered to the right. Israel
Despite war, thousands of Israeli Hasidim make pilgrimage to Ukraine Much like the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine won’t stop thousands of Hasidim from reaching the city of Uman and the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov just before the Jewish New Year. Israel
Dubai to open first Hindu temple The first independent Hindu temple in Dubai will open in October to serve the 1.4 million Hindus residing in the United Arab Emirates. Legacy: Gulf
