As Syria finalizes candidates for parliament, women make up 14% of list Syria’s parliamentary elections are set for Sunday, when electoral committees will select 140 lawmakers before President Ahmed al-Sharaa appoints the remaining 70. Syria
Saudi Arabia and Qatar pledge $89M for Syrian public sector: What to know The new Syrian government has struggled to pay public workers sufficiently and is implementing a plan aimed at rooting out “ghost employees" who do not show up to work. Syria
Egypt holds second Senate vote as pro-Sisi parties dominate: What to know The Senate elections, dominated by pro-Sisi government parties, feature fewer party list and individual candidates compared to elections held in 2020. Egypt
Analysis Sudan’s new PM dissolves government but military control remains firm In his first public address, Prime Minister Kamil Idris set ambitious goals to restore security by eliminating “rebellious militias,” though analysts warn the goal may be beyond his reach. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Analysis Hussein Sheikh as PLO's first vice president: Palestinian reform or Abbas gesture? By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Analysis Can Modi leverage Saudi-China ties to reshape India’s global standing? By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Population growth in Iraq raises concerns Iraq's population is steadily growing, raising concerns about a future economic crisis and the government's inability to provide basic services to citizens. Iraq
Iraq launches social fund to fight poverty In cooperation with the World Bank, Iraq has launched a social welfare project to assist unemployed and impoverished Iraqis. Iraq
Syria’s al-Bab opens first Turkish-backed DMV Turkey has backed the establishment of a department of motor vehicles in al-Bab in the Euphrates Shield area, where all vehicles will be registered and inspected to ensure road safety. Syria
Russia eyes deeper economic engagement in Libya Moscow hopes to play a growing role in Libya’s economy, health-care system and educational programs. Libya
Former Brotherhood official hopes new initiative will bridge Egypt's social rifts Former spokesman for the Muslim Brotherhood, Kamal Halbawi, has launched an initiative to mend the social rift in Egypt. Will it be successful? Egypt
Egypt seeks Arab League seat for controversial South Sudan For the first time since it seceded from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has publicly declared its desire to join the Arab League. Egypt
Turkey's quest for EU visa waiver more likely to cause strife than progress Turkey has renewed efforts to get a visa waiver from the European Union, but the move could result in fresh tensions, as many in Europe remain incensed over Ankara’s human rights record. Turkey
Palestinians turn to Turkey The Palestinians are hopeful that Turkey’s promises of increased financial aid will make up for the losses resulting from the United States reducing its aid to UNRWA. Palestine
Iran's absence at Davos sparks speculation Following reports that he had canceled his trip, Iran’s Foreign Ministry claims Mohammad Javad Zarif never planned to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos this year. Iran
Congress acts to jump-start Jordan’s private sector A key House panel voted this week to establish an enterprise fund that Amman had previously resisted. Jordan
Jordan, PA unite forces with Israel to fight natural disasters Israel, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority and other countries participated in a two-day firefighting exercise to build a regional disaster response system, yet some Palestinians criticized the drills as increasing normalization with Israel. Palestine
Palestine takes its first step as Interpol member state Palestinian officials say that joining interpol will allow them to fight crime more efficiently, and reject claims that they will use membership to target Israeli officials. Palestine
