Raisi: Iran 'never has hope' in Vienna talks Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has struck a pessimistic tone commenting on the nuclear talks between Iran and world powers. Iran
Iraq receives 145% more foreign visitors in 2021 Iraq waived the visa requirements for citizens of many economically powerful countries last year in a bid to attract tourists and businesspeople. News Brief
Saudi Arabia building support for Expo 2030 bid The kingdom wants to host the international cultural forum, which is currently being held in Dubai. News Brief
Saudi IT industry to work with German software firm SAP on cloud technology The memorandum of understanding is the latest to come out of the LEAP technology forum in Riyadh, and reflects the kingdom’s diversification efforts. News Brief
James Jeffrey, top US official on Syria and Islamic State, retiring The veteran diplomat will be replaced by his Syria deputy, Joel Rayburn, and top counterterrorism official Nathan Sales. Syria
Israel in talks for Pfizer's vaccine, official says US drug company Pfizer said on Monday that its COVID-19 vaccine is more than 90% effective. Israel
Libya’s rival sides meet in Tunis to discuss Libya's political future Talks aim to lay the groundwork for a unity government in hope of eventually ending Libya's decadelong war. Libya
Iraq’s camp closures could leave 100,000 homeless as winter looms The Norwegian Refugee Council said displaced Iraqis are being forced from their camps with little notice. Iraq
Suspected Islamic State gunmen kill 11 at military post outside Baghdad Initial reports suggest the attack is the largest against Iraqi security forces in months. Iraq
G20 should press Saudi Arabia on jailed activists, rights group says Pressure is building on Riyadh ahead of the annual G20 summit later this month. Saudi Arabia
Biden's campaign showed what his Middle East policy may be as president The former vice president criticized President Donald Trump's sanctions on Iran and also spoke out on Turkey's role in the Azerbaijan-Armenia war leading up to the Nov. 3 vote. Israel
'How Does a Detonator Work?' Portland man indicted for publishing Islamic State newsletter Hawazen Sameer Mothafar allegedly helped IS with social media and published articles online that encouraged jihadi attacks. Iraq
Tulsi Gabbard succeeded in House by Afghan war veteran Gabbard, a Democrat from Hawaii who served in the Army in Iraq and ran for president in 2020, has been a critic of the US prosecution of "endless wars." Her successor, Democrat Kai Kahele, served in Afghanistan. Syria
Facebook closes suspicious accounts from Iran, Muslim Brotherhood The accounts engaged in coordinated activity aimed at manipulating public opinion in Israel, Tunisia and other countries. Facebook has gone after Iranian information operations before. Iran
Intel: CENTCOM disputes watchdog report on Yemen civilian casualties The US military denied involvement in dozens of incidents in which civilians were reportedly killed. Yemen
Syrian refugee in Lebanon sets himself on fire The UN refugee agency said the 58-year-old man was hospitalized and is receiving the necessary care. Lebanon
