Turkey pumps brakes on car imports Driven by some peculiar dynamics, demand for imported cars has grown in Turkey despite the coronavirus pandemic, leading Ankara to hike taxes to suppress a trend that has worsened the country’s currency woes. Turkey
Online calls for anti-Sisi protests in Egypt may fall flat Social media activists are calling for street protests Sept. 20 against Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, but expectations are low. Egypt
Israeli-Arabs split over agreement with the Emirates Some Israeli-Arabs reject the deal with the UAE, while others cheer the opening to the Arab world. United Arab Emirates
Israel punishes Hamas, but also advances Gaza development programs Defense Minister Benny Gantz implements a harsh-response policy on Gaza balloon terror while also advancing Gaza development projects. Israel
Intel: Russian naval exercises could fuel Greece-Turkey standoff in EastMed A planned Russian drill could worsen an already tense standoff between Greece and Turkey in the energy-rich and disputed eastern Mediterranean Sea. Turkey
Coalition withdrawal from base near Baghdad worries locals The recent pullout of international coalition personnel from Camp Taji, the first airstrike in years in an area close to the capital, and continued targeting of facilities keep tensions high as the drawdown continues. Iraq
US seizes websites of Iraqi militia-affiliated news outlet The US Justice Department says the domain names of Aletejah TV's websites were owned and operated by a US company and affiliated with the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia. Iraq
Iran’s nuclear deal and the US presidential election The deal’s fate depends on the outcome of US elections, not the UN. United States
Serbia, Kosovo to open embassies in Jerusalem Serbia plans to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem next year, and Kosovo also has agreed to open an embassy in the holy city. Israel
Dog sparks hope in Beirut of possible miracle survivor under rubble A dog alerted Chilean rescuers to a possible sign of life near downtown Beirut and the search has provided hope to people in the city one month after the deadly explosion. Lebanon
Iraqi Kurdistan president leaves Ankara talks with two Yazidi children A senior Iraqi Kurdistan official told Al-Monitor that the talks with Ankara were “really good," and the delegation had brought two Yazidi children back with them on the plane. Iraq
Emirates to resume flights to Amman Beginning Sept. 8, the Dubai-owned carrier will operate daily flights between Dubai and the Jordanian capital. United Arab Emirates
Palestinian leaders grasp for unity in Ramallah-Beirut meeting While the Sept. 3 meeting between major Palestinian faction leaders in Ramallah and Beirut was an unusual accomplishment in itself, many observers are cautious about crucial obstacles to change. Palestine
Intel: Netanyahu knew of US proposal to sell arms to UAE, says NYT Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was aware of a US proposal to sell the advanced F-35 fighter jet to the United Arab Emirates amid negotiations with the Gulf country over normalizing ties with Israel, the New York Times reported Thursday. United Arab Emirates
UN chief urges Libya to shut migrant detention centers Antonio Guterres, the UN secretary-general, said 22% of those detained in Libya's holding facilities for migrants are children. Libya
Bahrain to allow Israeli flights to UAE over its airspace There was speculation that Bahrain would follow the UAE in recognizing Israel, but the country has not signaled a willingness to do so yet. United Arab Emirates
