Egypt repatriates 114 trafficked artifacts Artifact trafficking in Egypt is back under the spotlight as Egyptian authorities recovered in Paris over 114 stolen antiquities in a case involving prominent figures. Egypt
Israel's top court upholds Jewish nation-state law The 2018 law, which enshrines national self-determination as a unique right of the Jewish people, was denounced by critics who say it discriminates against Israel's Arab population. Israel
Turkey's 'babyfaced' fraud suspect in jail after three years on run Mehmet Aydin, wanted since early 2018, is back in Turkey to face an online fraud case that has raised questions about how he remained free for so long in South America. Turkey
Iraq breaks record for highest daily virus cases Health authorities are asking Iraqis to take the COVID-19 vaccine as rates remain low and infections rise once again. News Brief
Islamic State uses hit-and-run tactics in Iraq Islamic State cells continue to target Sunni areas while armed groups thought to be close to Iran step up attacks on facilities hosting international coalition forces. Iraq
Hamas leader Meshaal reaches out to Riyadh on Saudi TV After a decadelong hiatus, Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal spoke to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Arabiya TV, promoting the resumption of relations with Saudi Arabia. Palestine
Egypt warns Europe against illegal immigration amid Nile dam impasse The Egyptian government has warned European countries against illegal immigration should Ethiopia continue to insist on filling the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam without a binding agreement with its downstream neighbors. Egypt
Israel’s Bennett rethinks Iran policy Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is reviewing Israel’s policy on Iran in order to find the best strategy adapted to the developing situation in the region and worldwide. Israel
Egypt, Sudan exchange strong words with Ethiopia at UN session on Nile dam The three countries discussed Ethiopia’s mega-dam at a UN Security Council meeting; significant disagreements remain between the three parties as Ethiopia fills the dam for the second year in a row. Egypt
Biden's airstrikes fail to halt cycle of militia violence in Iraq The Pentagon says it is taking a recent spate of drone and rocket attacks "deadly seriously." Syria
Qatar to resume tourist, family visas starting July 12 Both vaccinated and non-vaccinated visitors will be required to present a negative PCR test and certain travelers must quarantine upon arrival. Qatar
Iran denies 'US sabotage' against homemade vaccine project The denial added to the chaos and confusion surrounding Iran's piecemeal rollout, which has reached only 2.3% of its population. Iran
Turkey arrests alleged Gulen supporters for trying to flee to Greece Many supporters of the outlawed Gulen movement have tried to enter Greece since the crackdown against them in Turkey following the 2016 coup. News Brief
World Food Programme sounds alarm as food prices rise in MidEast Currency depreciation and pandemic job losses in neighboring Lebanon and Syria have contributed to major food inflation in both countries. Syria
Israel’s Bennett, Jordan's king meet secretly, make water deal In a meeting July 8 in Jordan, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi formalized an agreement reached by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Jordanian King Abdullah last week on increasing the quantity of water Israel will sell to Jordan. Israel
Exiled Turkish journalist attacked outside home in Germany The attack on Erk Acarer following his columns on mafia-state links has alarmed other Turkish journalists in exile who have urged the German government to take a stance against "Erdogan’s arm." Turkey
