Egypt, Sudan go in on industrial zone for Khartoum Egypt is courting Sudan with a joint industrial zone in Khartoum in a bid to boost cooperation against the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Egypt
Islamic State relies on money transfers from sympathizers in Turkey, Iraq: Report Almost two years since its territorial defeat, the terror group still has access to $100 million in cash reserves, according to the US government. Syria
Flooding renders thousands of displaced Syrians homeless in northwest Weeks of heavy rains have created immense hardship for Idlib residents, who are already contending with the war between rebel groups and the government. Syria
Post-COVID Mideast economies look to the Gulf and Egypt The region took a hard hit from the pandemic, and it’s far from over, but Egypt and Saudi Arabia are managing better than expected. Regional
Explosion hits near Israeli Embassy in India Nobody was hurt in the blast, which took place in New Delhi on the 29th anniversary of Israel and India establishing relations. Israel
Biden administration extends temporary protections for Syrians Under the extension, more than 6,700 Syrians will retain their special immigration status through September 2022. Syria
Biden picks Robert Malley as special envoy for Iran Malley, who currently runs the International Crisis Group in DC, will oversee Biden's efforts to rejoin the Iranian nuclear agreement. United States
Parties at ski resorts outrage Turks in lockdown Images of skiers partying on the slopes have angered ordinary Turks obeying coronavirus restrictions as vaccination efforts roll out. Turkey
Lebanon's PM Diab condemns Tripoli protest violence Protesters demanding an end to the lockdown set fire on Thursday night to several buildings in the impoverished city of Tripoli. Lebanon
UK bans travel from UAE The United Kingdom's decision follows historic highs in daily COVID-19 cases in the United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates
Why Assad is scaling down military readiness across Syria Due to the military budget deficit and in a bid to absorb the anger of loyalists and army soldiers, the Syrian regime decided to scale down the readiness of its army and armed forces. Syria
IDF chief warns US not to rejoin Iran deal IDF chief Aviv Kochavi apparently did not consult with his superiors before speaking out against the United States returning to the nuclear deal with Iran. Israel
New parties emerge to try to break deadlock in Nile dam negotiations New countries are seeking a mediation role in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam crisis as negotiations sponsored by the African Union between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia stumble. Egypt
Iraq, coalition partners had been on trail of IS commander a 'long time' Iraq announced Jan. 28 that its US-trained Counterterrorism Services in coordination with national intelligence had conducted an operation leading to the killing of the commander of Islamic State remnants in the country, in an "insurgent-infested" valley of the oil-rich, disputed southern Kirkuk province. Iraq
Pentagon reassures Middle East partners on deterring Iran The US military is signaling its show of force against Tehran may continue as the State Department explores paths toward a renewed nuclear agreement. United States
Nigerians stuck in Saudi Arabia are flown home Foreigners working in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have gotten stranded throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Saudi Arabia
