Turkish intel chief pursues multiple goals in Baghdad In landmark talks in Baghdad, Hakan Fidan sought to ease bilateral tensions over a deadly attack in July, assert Turkey’s resolve to continue military operations on Iraqi soil and sway the political impasse in Iraq. Turkey
Two Lebanese banks held up in one day as customers demand own funds Many Lebanese watchers praised the woman who held up the bank to get her own money as most Lebanese cannot access their funds due to systemic financial mismanagement and corruption. Lebanon
Analysis Democrats push Biden to restrict Egypt’s military aid over rights abuses Egypt’s annual military assistance is shaping up to be another test of the administration’s ability to balance human rights considerations with American strategic interests. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Tunisian opposition to boycott legislative elections Political forces in Tunisia are divided over the upcoming legislative elections announced by President Kais Saied, with the country’s main opposition alliance announcing its boycott of the vote over the controversial measures Saied has taken since last year. North Africa
Saudi Arabia plans new AI center The agreement between the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence and King Abdullah University was made on the sidelines of an artificial intelligence summit in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Egypt to focus on water crises at COP27 Egypt plans to discuss during the COP27 the need to include the water issue in the international action related to climate change. Egypt
Culture Syrian women still get cosmetic surgery despite war Despite the collapse of the health sector and the deterioration of living conditions in Syria, more women are getting plastic surgery than ever. Syria
