Turkish army coordinates with Syrian proxy forces ahead of possible military action Turkish military reinforcements pour into the frontlines with the Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria, as Turkish-backed FSA factions stand on alert ahead of an imminent battle. Syria
Gazans study Hebrew as Israel increases work permits After Israel increased the number of permits for Gaza workers, merchants and workers are learning Hebrew at Gaza schools. Palestine
New discoveries found under demolished historic palace in Egypt After the demolition of the 120-year-old Tawfic Pasha Andraos Palace in Luxor, which drew much criticism, several Byzantine artifacts, including oil lamps, were recently discovered at the site of the palace. Egypt
Pence endorses controversial Iranian opposition group Former US Vice President Mike Pence spoke at event held by Mujahedeen-e Khalq, which is widely described as a cult. News Brief
Familiar problems for Biden in Israel The US is concerned about Israeli settlement policies, recent actions toward the Palestinians, and trade with China, but these issues are more likely to blow over than blow up. Israel
Saudi Arabia expels Lebanon's ambassador over Yemen comments The Kingdom has also halted imports from Lebanon. Lebanon
Lebanese president asks Russia for satellite imagery of port explosion The request comes more than a year after the deadly explosion in Beirut’s port, and follows a US government report on the incident. By Al-Monitor Staff
US unveils sanctions targeting Iran's drone program The Treasury Department issued fresh sanctions on Friday targeting individuals and companies the United States says are supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ drone program. Iran
Turkey eyes five new targets for possible offensive in Syria Turkey has ramped up military activity on the ground in Syria following a parliamentary extension of the government's mandate to carry out cross-border operations. Yet, such an operation still seems unlikely without Washington and Moscow’s approval. Turkey
Syrian jihadist faction establishes 'Women's Preaching Group' in Idlib Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which controls Syria’s Idlib province, is using women’s organizations and institutes to tighten its grip on civil society and expand its public base, despite its multiple violations against women. Syria
Iran’s plan to get rid of the subsidized exchange rate Iran's subsidized exchange rate has failed to prevent the downfall of the rial — and a move to do away with it could actually help the economy. Iran
Sudan's coup leader says he'll announce next PM 'within a week' Gen. Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan pledged that the next prime minister would be a technocrat and the military would make an appointment in the coming days. Sudan
Israeli COVID-19 vaccine pill to begin human trials Israel is home to a few experimental treatments for the coronavirus. News Brief
US pressures Israel on trade with China Washington is calling on Israel to change the way it monitors foreign investments in Israel, and Israel is likely to take appeasing measures. Israel
Saudi couples flock to beach as kingdom deals with fast pace of social change The kingdom is open for business and tourists, in the context of rapid social change, which has some conservative Saudis anxious changes are coming too fast. Gulf
Disagreement between Bennett, Biden escalates With Israel advancing the construction of 3,200 housing units in West Bank settlements, it seems that the honeymoon between Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and US President Joe Biden is over. Israel
