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
Biden to meet with Saudi crown prince in July visit The president is expected to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah following a visit to Israel and the West Bank, a senior administration official said. Legacy: Gulf
Rights groups say Iranian prisoners face finger amputations The eight men are expected to have their fingers amputated using a guillotine machine soon, Amnesty International reports. Iran
Knesset speaker participates, addresses gay pride parade in Jerusalem Knesset speaker Micky Levy participated today at the gay pride parade in Jerusalem, condemning death threats that were sent earlier this week to an organizer of the parade and several legislators. Israel
Iran calls exodus of Black staffers from Biden White House 'systematic racial discrimination' Iran has criticized the treatment of Black Americans before, but the Islamic Republic has its own issues with discrimination against Kurds, Arabs, Jews and others. Iran
Hunger strikes by prisoners continue in Egypt A number of political activists in Egyptian prisons have been on a hunger strike for several days to protest their denial of basic rights, at a time the president has called for a national dialogue with opponents. Egypt
Teenage Syrian refugees in Lebanon find cricket a welcome distraction Cricket is emerging as a tool for social transformation and improving Syrian refugees’ education. Lebanon
Turkey’s Alevis to open their houses of worship to LGBTQ funerals Turkey’s major Alevi organizations announce they will open their houses of worship to LGBTQ individuals in support of equal funeral rights. Turkey
Egypt’s ambassador say US should use leverage with Ethiopia amid Nile dam dispute Speaking at an Al-Monitor event in Washington, Motaz Zahran also addressed human rights issues and a plan to supply energy to Lebanon. Egypt
Turkish government discovers 'astroturfing' Seemingly acting on social media calls, the Turkish government cracks down on the secular lifestyle, experts warn. Turkey
Hope may be fading for release of Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah Alaa Abdel Fattah enters his sixth week of hunger strike. Egypt
Iran says it will execute Iranian-Swedish scientist Iran’s judiciary still plans to execute Ahmad Reza Jalali, an Iranian-Swedish citizen convicted of espionage. Iran
Egyptian political opposition prepares for national dialogue with government There are several questions among Egypt’s political circles following the president’s call for a national dialogue with opposition forces. Egypt
