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
Intel: US pushes warring Libya factions to disband militias US officials pushed Libya’s UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) to demobilize its militias in virtual meeting this week, the State Department announced today. Libya
Netherlands isn’t required to repatriate Islamic State families in Syria, court rules The Netherlands isn't required to bring home from northern Syria a group of 23 Dutch women suspected of joining the Islamic State or their 56 children. Syria
Lebanon protests rage as currency plunges Protesters set fire to tires and waste containers to cut major roads throughout Lebanon. Lebanon
Al-Qaeda is using Iran as safe haven, says State Department report Nathan Sales, ambassador-at-large and the US coordinator for counterterrorism, describes Iran's connections to al-Qaeda as "no surprise." Iran
Emirates suspends passenger flights from Pakistan following virus cases The Dubai-based airline said a number of passengers were found to have COVID-19 on a recent flight. United Arab Emirates
Intel: Al-Qaeda branch confirms US drone killed Zarqawi relative in Syria An al-Qaeda branch in northwest Syria has confirmed that a US drone strike earlier this month killed one of the group’s most senior leaders, a veteran Jordanian jihadi who had been close to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Syria
Intel: Democrats stare down AIPAC with annexation warning The majority of House Democrats united today to warn Israel against unilaterally annexing parts of the West Bank despite opposition from the powerful American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Israel
Iran passes 10,000 COVID-19 deaths Iran's president says citizens must wear masks as part of a “new phase” of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. Iran
State Department concerned by reports Egypt is harassing American activist’s family After spending nearly two years in a Cairo prison, Mohamed Soltan filed a lawsuit in a US court against Egypt's former prime minister. Egypt
European parliamentarians write letter against Israeli annexation of West Bank The letter rebukes the Trump administration's support for a partial annexation of Palestinian territory. Palestine
Baby girl diagnosed with coronavirus dies in Lebanon The infant was admitted to the hospital 25 days after her birth. Lebanon
Intel: Pompeo echoes Gantz by bashing Palestinians for refusal to negotiate on annexation Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blasted the Palestinians today for their refusal to negotiate over a looming Israeli annexation of the West Bank — one day after Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz made similar comments, seemingly bringing him closer to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s position. Palestine
