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
Turkey targets Yazidi militia in Iraq over PKK links The Sinjar Resistance Units have been targeted by Turkish forces in Iraq for its connection with the Kurdistan Workers Party. Iraq
Syriac manuscripts recovered from suspected Islamic State fighter in Mosul Stolen manuscripts resurface as Iraqi security forces engage Islamic State cells, but safety concerns for minority communities still loom large. Iraq
Trump mum on refugee admissions despite pleas from Congress The administration has drastically reduced the number of refugees resettled annually in the United States. United States
Iraqi Jews want to regain their citizenship As the region witnesses a wave of normalization with Israel, Iraqi Jews demand restoration of their citizenship. Iraq
Turkey’s tilt toward Pakistan provokes India’s ire An Indian intelligence reports sees Turkey as becoming a hub for anti-India activities second only to Pakistan. Turkey
Erdogan converts another historic church into a mosque The centuries-old Chora church, which has served as a museum since 1945, will soon be open to Muslim worship. Turkey
Israeli-Ethiopian community divided on bringing 8,000 Falash Mura Minister of Immigration and Absorption Pnina Tamano-Shata presented last week a plan to bring to Israel 8,000 Falash Mura from Ethiopia by the end of 2022. Israel
Egypt shows interest in Nubian community after years of marginalization The marginalized Nubian community is back at the forefront in Egypt with a boat race festival to preserve Nubian heritage, held for a second time in Aswan governorate. Egypt
The lesser of two evils: Yemen’s Bahais from prison into exile Shortly after their release, six members of the Bahai community in Yemen were sent into exile, in a stark example of the political climate in this war-ravaged country. Yemen
Intel: Syria to build Hagia Sophia replica with Russian backing With support from Russian officials and the Orthodox Church, Syria will begin construction on a small-scale replica of the Hagia Sophia that will serve as an Orthodox cathedral. Syria
Istanbul's Hagia Sophia holds first Friday prayers since reconversion to mosque Is Turkey's reconversion of the Hagia Sophia into a mosque a politically expedient decision or part of Turkey’s growing global assertiveness? Turkey
Gulf of Oman development continues to disenfranchise Baloch fishermen The Baloch people residing in the Gwadar Bay between Iran and Pakistan have been marginalized due to the environmental destruction of the area. Legacy: Gulf
