Analysis Iran’s mismanagement in focus as fires ravage 25-million-year-old forests Prolonged wildfires are raging across Iran's northern Hyrcanian forests, highlighting mismanagement, insufficient resources and climate stress, and forcing volunteers and foreign aid to intervene. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Syria attends Brazil’s COP30 as most Middle East leaders skip talks Two years after the UAE and Egypt hosted back-to-back climate conferences, global headwinds are threatening climate action as talks begin in Belem amid notable absences. United Arab Emirates
Over 200 hospitalized in Tunisia’s Gabes as anger over pollution crisis grows President Kais Saied is facing one of his biggest challenges yet as demands for the closure of the city’s phosphate processing plant increase. Tunisia
Drought-stricken Iraq sends delegation to Turkey to discuss water cooperation Turkey recently agreed to release more water to Iraq amid the drought in the country, indicating improving coordination on resource management after years of tensions over Turkish dams. Iraq
Global energy crisis opens possibilities for Israeli natural gas Experts say that the global energy crisis is exactly the moment when Israel must expand its natural gas export quotas. Israel
Culture Historic Sawa Lake disappears from Iraqi map The Sawa Lake in Iraq has been associated with tales of history and human activity for hundreds of years, but today it has turned into just another plot of the desert that used to surround it after it has completely dried up. Iraq
Egypt rallies African climate consensus ahead of COP27 Egypt has intensified climate policy discussions with African countries ahead of COP27. Egypt
Israel’s environment minister strives for regional coalition on climate change Participating at the OECD ministerial meeting in Paris on ensuring a resilient and healthy environment for all, Environment Protection Minister Tamar Zandberg says she is also working with neighboring countries to achieve this goal. Israel
Qatar National Bank launches environmentally friendly finance project The Doha-based bank will loan cash to the British bank HSBC to be used for green transportation investments. By Al-Monitor Staff
Sisi hands over Nile islands to Egyptian military, raising controversy Some Egyptians were outraged over the president’s decision to hand over the ownership of 37 islands to the army, especially since most of these islands are located on the Nile River and considered nature reserves. Egypt
Iran, Iraq exchange accusations over water flow Iraq is planning to complain to the International Court of Justice about the drop in water flow from Iran. Iraq
Istanbul residents get stuck in snow as politicians throw blame at each other The coldest weather in decades cripples life and transportation in Istanbul, with stranded passengers staging protests at Istanbul airport. Turkey
Egypt endeavors to turn Suez Canal green The Suez Canal Authority announced a plan to shift the Suez Canal into an eco-friendly canal that relies on renewable energy to preserve the environment and encourage environmentally friendly ships. Egypt
Rare snowstorm hits Iraq and Syria Many people in the Kurdistan Region rejoiced while playing in the snow, but such conditions can be dangerous for others, especially those living in displaced people camps. Iraq
Israeli environmentalists, neighbors blast plan for new town in Negev Despite Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked's enthusiasm, both green groups and neighboring towns are unhappy with a plan to build a new village near the Gaza border. Israel
Sultan Qaboos’ environmental legacy hits economic roadblock in Oman Strict environmental laws protected Oman’s pristine ecosystems, benefited public health and strengthened tourism’s value proposition, but will it last? Legacy: Gulf
