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
For many Gazans, it's another Christmas barred from Bethlehem While most of Gaza's Christians submitted requests to celebrate Christmas in Bethlehem, only a small number were granted access by Israel. Palestine
Should Jewish refugees from Arab countries be compensated? An Israeli-government project estimates that Jews who fled Arab countries and immigrated to Israel left behind $150 billion in property, and the prime minister has been authorized by law to seek compensation for it in any peace deal. Iraq
Jewish museums in Istanbul focus on upside of integration Jews have been living in Turkey for many centuries, and both the Sephardim from Spain and then Ashkenazim from Eastern Europe boast their own museums. Turkey
Liberman spawns 'alliance of the underprivileged' Attacks by Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Liberman on Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties has pushed the two groups into a surprising alliance. Israel
Ancient Kurdish festival offers taste of enduring love, mysticism Mythology, mysticism and tributes to love dominate the Pir-Shalyar wedding festival in a rocky Kurdish village in western Iran. Iran
Egypt's Sephardim explore Jewish roots in quest for Spanish citizenship Egypt's minuscule Jewish community has taken advantage of a chance to gain Spanish nationality, though will stay in Egypt if they get it. Egypt
Incitement and the poet: Dareen Tatour's legal victory The Israeli Supreme Court recently declined to review a district court ruling that a poem by Dareen Tatour did not constitute incitement. Palestine
Third coalition arises in Iraq to vie for Sunni leadership Former Iraqi Vice President Osama al-Nujaifi has formed a new Sunni coalition in Iraq, but the "alliance" seems to indicate further division in Sunni political ranks. Iraq
Iraqi decision to remove Shabak PMU from Ninevah Plains stirs conflict A dispute over the presence of Popular Mobilization Units in the Ninevah Plains raises concerns about the recurrence of conflict in the area. Iraq
What really matters to Israeli Arab voters The problem that most concerns Israel's Palestinian citizens is personal safety, an issue on which the Blue and White could make significant positive contributions and in doing so attract Arab voters, potentially breaking the prevailing electoral deadlock with the right. Israel
Iraqi Mandaeans fear extinction The Mandaean community in Iraq is dwindling to such low numbers that its members fear extinction. Iraq
Three princes compete for Yazidi leadership to succeed late prince Following the appointment of a new Yazidi emir, two other Yazidi leaders announced themselves as new emirs. Iraqi-Kurdistan
