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
US alarmed by death sentence, sham trials of protesters in Iran National security adviser Jake Sullivan warned of consequences if Iran's repression of peaceful protesters continues. Iran
Breaking | Last Updated: November 9, 2022, 10:20 am US woman detained in Saudi Arabia released amid guardianship battle US citizen Carly Morris has been released from a Saudi prison, but says she's still unable to leave the kingdom with her young daughter. Saudi Arabia
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
Qatar World Cup ambassador says homosexuality is 'haram' Qatar’s human rights record is under scrutiny in the lead-up to the World Cup, particularly regarding the treatment of LGBTQ people and laborers. Legacy: Gulf
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
Ahead of COP27, Democrats push Biden to confront Egypt on human rights A group of lawmakers want President Joe Biden to use the climate conference to press Egypt for improvements in its dire human rights record. Egypt
Turkey’s LGBTQ community alarmed over Erdogan’s ‘family’ vision Rights activists in Turkey fear a rise in homophobic discrimination and hate crimes as Erdogan vocally stigmatizes the LGBTQ community. Turkey
Iranian security forces intensify raids on girls' schools Parents outraged by latest actions to suppress protests, as students heckle government official. Iran
Palestinian man decapitated over sexual orientation in the West Bank Palestinians were shocked at the gruesome killing of a young Palestinian gay man, whose body was found decapitated near the city of Hebron in the West Bank. Palestine
UAE touts new domestic workers law The UAE, like other Gulf countries, has faced criticism for its treatment of foreign workers. United Arab Emirates
Iran protests put Turkish government in tight spot As their Western partners strongly react to the Iranian protests, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his administration remain curiously quiet. Turkey
Tehran strikes Kurdish opponents in Iraq as protests over Mahsa Amini’s death convulse Iran Iran ramps up its bombing campaign in northern Iraq in what Iraqi Kurds argue is an attempt to divert the world's attention from the killing of Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini. Iraq
