Erdogan takes Taliban's warning in stride Turkey's leaders are brushing off the Taliban's warnings over extending its mission in Afghanistan. Turkey
Iranians protesting water crisis killed in southwest Khuzestan province After protests, officials have promised to address the water issue in Iran’s southwest region. Iran
Ben & Jerry's to stop selling ice cream in Palestinian territories The US ice cream giant will continue operations in Israel. News Brief
Saudi Arabia to require two vaccine jabs for international travel The Saudi government has made receiving the COVID-19 vaccine a requirement for its citizens to travel and work in the past. News Brief
Erdogan's game plan for next election involves Kurdish vote As Erdogan’s dependency on Kurdish votes becomes more urgent, violence and other oppression against Kurds are on the rise. Turkey
Biden administration transfers first Guantanamo detainee to Morocco A government panel cleared Abdul Latif Nasir for release in 2016, but the Moroccan detainee remained at the US prison during the Trump administration. United States
Fury as Israel’s Lapid redefines anti-Semitism Many in Israel were angered over a speech delivered by Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, who said that anti-Semitism should mean the hatred of any marginalized group, not just Jews. Israel
Chinese oil companies fill void in Iraq As major Western oil companies reconsider their positions in Iraq, China is seizing the opportunities offered by their departure. Iraq
Can African Union revive Nile dam talks? After the UN Security Council expressed support for the African Union-sponsored talks on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the African grouping is reportedly seeking a new round of talks to resolve the dispute between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan. Egypt
Hydroponic farm in Gaza has yet to repair damages from Israeli strikes Israeli airstrikes on Gaza in May destroyed a hydroponic farm established by a young man who had hoped to help the besieged enclave overcome the many crises in its agricultural sector. Palestine
Bennett walks back comment over Jews praying at Temple Mount The office of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said he had misspoken when saying that Jews and Muslim both have freedom to worship on Temple Mount. Israel
Gazans embrace outdoor photography, events Gaza's special events have moved outside as constraints make venue owners and photographers get more creative. Palestine
Syrian jihadi groups crack down on rivals in Idlib Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is tightening the noose on the jihadi Jundallah group and asking it to join it or leave Idlib, in what observers described as an attempt on the part of HTS to get rid of non-Syrian fighters. Syria
New Druze political party, military faction take shape in Suwayda Suwayda has a new political party and an associated military arm after decades of Druze exclusion from the Syrian political scene. Syria
Egypt plans another Pharaonic parade, this time in Luxor After the success of the Pharaohs' Golden Parade, Egypt is preparing for the grand reopening of the Great Processional Way in Luxor. Culture
Jenin becomes flashpoint for Israel-Palestinian confrontations Armed clashes with Israeli forces have resurfaced in the West Bank city of Jenin, where they have become an almost daily occurrence. Palestine
