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
Saudi Arabia releases Iranian cleric who criticized Hajj: What to know Iran-Saudi Arabia relations have improved in recent years, including in Hajj-related cooperation, though tensions remain over Iran’s regional policies. Saudi Arabia
Gaza ceasefire seen imminent as Witkoff finalizes Hamas-Israel deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told relatives of hostages held in Gaza that he accepts the recent proposal by American envoy Steve Witkoff, which is expected to secure the release of 10 abductees and establish a two-month ceasefire in Gaza. Israel
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
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
Lebanon: Backlash as MPs introduce bill to decriminalize LGBTQ+ relationships Some Lebanese leaders have intensified their campaign against the LGBTQ+ community after news emerged of a bill to repeal an anti-LGBTQ+ provision of the Penal Code. Lebanon
EU Commissioner: Turkey must take on democratic reforms to revive EU bid A senior EU official has said that revival of Turkey’s stalled membership negotiations with the EU can only be discussed once Ankara takes on democratic reforms. Turkey
Syria’s Assad abolishes notorious military field courts Thousands of civilians are believed to have been executed after being tried at these courts. Syria
Israel’s Netanyahu calls Eritrea immigrants 'tangible threat' to state’s future After the violent demonstration by Eritrean immigrants over the weekend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called to banish them from Israel "voluntarily or by other means." Israel
Nobel Foundation rescinds Iran's invitation to 2023 Prize ceremony Iran was excluded from last year’s ceremonies following the government’s violent crackdown against protesters. Iran
Saudi forces have killed hundreds of Ethiopian migrants at Yemen border: report Saudi Arabia's border security forces are accused of "widespread and systematic" killing of Ethiopian migrants crossing from Yemen in what Human Rights Watch says could constitute crimes against humanity. Legacy: Gulf
Protests in southern Syria as economy worsens Syria’s economy is in tatters, and the removal of subsidies has led to relatively rare protests in government territory. Syria
Breaking | Last Updated: August 17, 2023, 7:39 pm US sanctions Turkey-backed Syrian militias over rights abuses in Afrin Washington has accused the Suleiman Shah Brigade, the Hamza Division and their leadership of committing serious rights abuses in the Kurdish-majority enclave of Afrin. Turkey
House Democrats urge cuts to Egypt's military aid over rights abuses The Biden administration will soon decide whether to restrict part of the United States’ annual military assistance to Egypt for the third year in a row. Egypt
Iran executes five men for gang rape Drug-related executions are particularly on the rise in Iran, despite international criticism of Iran’s legal system. Iran
UK, Turkey to set up joint center to control illegal migration The British government's migration policy is under increasing scrutiny from the opposition Labour Party as well as international civic groups that accuse the state of mistreating irregular migrants. Turkey
Egypt’s power cuts persist amid heat, declining natural gas production Egypt wants to export more natural gas, including in cooperation with neighboring Israel, but domestic production is declining amid the government’s efforts to reduce consumption. Egypt
