Saudi, Kuwaiti investments boost Cairo, Sphinx airports Egypt received offers from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to invest in projects to expand the Cairo and Sphinx international airports, as part of efforts to boost tourism and put Egypt on the global transit map. Egypt
Sisi brushes off possibility of military action in Libya Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stresses that Cairo seeks an all-inclusive political solution to the Libyan crisis, casting aside reports of a military confrontation against Turkey on Libyan soil. Egypt
Palestinians intensify efforts, action to counter UAE trade deals with Israeli settlements Palestinians seek to launch international campaigns to boycott Emirati companies that deal with products from settlements built on occupied land in the West Bank, accusing them of violating international resolutions that criminalize settlements. Palestine
Is Sudan shifting positions in Nile River negotiations? Sudan and Ethiopia have recently agreed to resume the negotiations on the Nile dam that Addis Ababa is building, amid Egyptian silence. Egypt
Netanyahu dislikes rotation deal, but also fears elections By Dec. 23, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must decide what scares him more: elections with Gideon Saar as contender or rotation with Defense Minister Benny Gantz. Israel
As vaccinations begin, Israel may offer Palestinians surplus Israeli health authorities are signaling they might offer the Palestinian Authority surplus vaccines against the coronavirus. Palestine
Iraq vaccinates 2 million children against polio The Iraqi health authorities affirmed the country is polio-free and mass vaccinations aim to prevent the spread of the disease. Iraq
GCC to hold summit in January amid Qatar row, Kuwait says Kuwait, which has acted as a mediator between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors, said the annual summit will be held in Saudi Arabia on Jan. 5. Legacy: Gulf
Germany to fund alternative energy plant in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia is focused on developing alternatives to oil as prices remain low amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia seeking 20-year sentence for jailed women’s activist Loujain al-Hathloul's sister said the state prosecutor is seeking the maximum sentence in a trial rights groups say is grossly unfair. Saudi Arabia
Emirates resumes flights to Istanbul The Dubai-based airline recently reported a massive revenue loss for 2020, but continues to rebuild its flight network toward pre-pandemic status. United Arab Emirates
Bahrain's king receives COVID-19 vaccine King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa was vaccinated days after Bahrain approved use of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine. Bahrain
Congressmen say Turkey is undermining NATO The top Democrat and the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee criticized Turkey's purchase of a Russian air defense system and drilling in the Mediterranean. Turkey
Gulf economies face major challenges in post-COVID 19 world Signals indicate the embargo imposed on Qatar could come to an end, but can the Gulf Cooperation Council play a coordinating role vital to diversify Gulf economies post-pandemic? Legacy: Gulf
Iraq, Turkey agree to cooperate on counterterrorism, trade Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi committed to enhanced cooperation on terrorism, trade and energy, although Turkey’s ongoing military operations in Iraqi Kurdistan may remain a source of contention between the two neighbors. Iraq
Iran's Khamenei says nuclear deal can be reentered ‘without delay’ Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said there should be no delay in removing sanctions and reentering the nuclear deal. United States
