Family feuds among Iraq’s Kurdish leaders embolden Iran Iraqi Kurdish leaders are at each other’s throats instead of closing ranks as Iran rains cross-border missile and drone attacks on the region and threatens a ground invasion. Iraq
France criticizes Israel for prolonging detention of French-Palestinian detainee Instead of being expelled to France last Sunday, French-Palestinian Salah Hamouri is being kept in prison pending a Jan. 1 court hearing of his case. Israel
Iran's government reaches out to Reformist party as protests continue Iranian officials have reached out to Reformists in hopes of quelling the protests. Iran
UAE business center releases whistleblowing guidelines The UAE is seeking to improve financial transparency among other major financial changes happening in the Gulf state. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey cautiously optimistic as US drops conditions for F-16 sales Turkey's foreign minister has urged the swift finalization of the much-awaited sale, while Greek news outlets maintain the final text carried a warning to Turkey against violating Greek airspace. Turkey
Iran sent more drones to Russia for use in Ukraine, US suggests Tehran sent additional UAVs, but no ballistic missiles thus far, the White House said. Iran
Russian delegation heads to Turkey amid potential Syria offensive The top Turkish diplomat aired a rare complaint over the Russian stalling of constitutional talks between the warring Syrian actors, calling on Moscow to allow the process to resume. Turkey
China’s Saudi visit reveals GCC goals for economic alternatives China’s presidential visit to Saudi Arabia is expected to yield a host of deals as the GCC increasingly looks eastward on trade. Legacy: Gulf
More basketball teams from West Bank settlements enter Israel’s national league The Israeli Basketball Association and the International Basketball Federation would rather avoid the delicate issue of settlement teams hosting games and playing in the Israel professional national league. Israel
