The Takeaway: Syria's neglected northwest pleads for earthquake aid Plus, a roundup of Al-Monitor's on-the-ground coverage of the devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkey. Turkey
Analysis Dubai's cryptocurrency regulator issues new rules for metaverse, virtual assets New laws in Dubai define the rules for trading virtual assets and operating in the metaverse, including explain how to lend/borrow and remit virtual assets — as well as fines for some violations. By Salim A. Essaid
Sweden blocks Quran-burning protest Turkey came out against Sweden’s NATO bid after a far-right activist burned a Quran outside the Turkish embassy last month. Sweden is now seeking to resume dialogue over the issue. Turkey
Egypt plans to sell stakes in 32 state-owned companies within year The announcement comes as the government is moving to reduce the state’s footprint in the economy, and includes two military-owned enterprises and three banks. Egypt
Earthquake death toll nears 20,000 as Turkey, Syria seek help Hundreds of thousands more are injured or displaced as rescue workers race against time to free those who are trapped. Turkey
Pentagon readies aircraft carrier to assist Turkey earthquake rescue efforts US European Command has begun pre-positioning supplies at Incirlik Air Base to support Turkey's efforts. Turkey
Russia's Lavrov in Iraq, looks for sanctions relief Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s trip to Iraq focused on expanding energy and trade ties, while making a pitch for relief from US sanctions. Iraq
Twitter restricted in Turkey in aftermath of earthquake Governmental restrictions on the social media app have been imposed even while rescuers race against time to reach survivors trapped under the rubble. Turkey
Turkey's earthquake spikes Europe's fears of Middle East flare-ups The Turkish-Syrian border area at large remains one of the world’s geopolitical quagmires, a major epicenter of tensions and fault lines that run throughout the Middle East toward Europe. By Gilles Kepel
Egypt's economy takes another hit with rating downgrade Moody’s also said Egypt’s ability to generate domestic funding will help its economic outlook. Egypt
Erdogan tours earthquake zone as casualty count rises The Turkish president visited the epicenter of the quake in Kahramanmaras to pledge state aid to victims, but many remain angry at the government's response. Turkey
