The Takeaway: Will Russia kill UN's Syria aid mission? Plus, Congress puts conditions on Egypt's annual security aid and the US plays down Biden's comments on the Iran nuclear deal. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Elon Musk’s electric vehicle company Tesla hiring in Turkey The US electric vehicle maker already has a presence in Jordan and Israel and could soon launch in Turkey, where Musk has a good relationship with President Erdogan. Turkey
US targets Iran's prosecutor general, military officials with new sanctions The US Treasury Department also designated a company manufacturing riot gear for Iran's law enforcement. Iran
Iranian, Saudi FMs meet in Jordan after months of stalled dialogue The Iranian-Saudi dialogue stalled earlier this year amid the protests in Iran and political tensions in Iraq. Iran
Iran's Quds Force leader criticizes women without hijabs Speaking about the protests in Iran for the first time, Esmail Qaani said that 'honorable women' wear headscarves. Iran
Turkey's media board fines TV chains for Imamoglu coverage Three channels were given harsh penalties for criticizing the Istanbul mayor's prison sentence and politics ban and for questioning Erdogan’s economic policies. Turkey
2022 in review: Turkey wraps up year of regional resets but more whiplash ahead As 2022 forced the Turkish government to reverse course with regional powers, this election year is expected to usher in even more change in Turkey’s foreign policy. Turkey
Culture Israeli Circassian village lands among UN's top tourism picks Israel's Circassian village of Kfar Kama is featured in this year's "Best Tourism Villages," a project of the UN World Tourism Organizaiton. Israel
Culture Egypt's few remaining Jews celebrate Hanukkah Hanukkah was celebrated amid tight security in Cairo's Meyr Biton Synagogue. Yet Magda Haroun, head of Egypt's tiny Jewish community, looks forward to the day when all of Egypt's synagogues will be open for prayer and celebrations. Egypt
Abu Dhabi bank launches new sustainability program Several Middle Eastern banks and funds are pursuing finance focused on green technology and the environment. Legacy: Gulf
