Putin says Moscow ready to use Mideast fighters in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has backed the idea of sending volunteer fighters to Ukraine, though there are good reasons for Moscow to refrain from bringing them in from Syria and elsewhere.

Russia

Iran missile attack on Erbil goes beyond retaliation for IRGC deaths

The attack early Sunday could also be related to both the now stalled Iran nuclear talks and Iraqi government formation.

Iraq

Young Egyptian rescues Arab families trapped in Ukraine

Social media outlets were abuzz over the past few days with news about Islam al-Ashiri, an Egyptian man who rescued a number of families stuck in Kyiv following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Egypt

Despite unrest, northwest Syria shows baby boom

Births are rising in northwest Syria, including in the displacement camps despite conditions often not being suitable for babies and mothers.

Syria

Analysis

Bennett, Erdogan seek to fill diplomatic vacuum over Ukraine

Qatar’s role in Iran diplomacy even more vital with pause in Vienna nuclear talks.

By Week in Review

Egypt seeks middle ground between US, Russia as Ukraine fighting rages

Cairo remains torn in its position on the Ukraine crisis for compelling financial and other reasons.

Egypt

Israel needs long-term plans to absorb Ukrainian immigration wave

Israel’s government has made short-term housing plans for the thousands of Ukrainian and Russian Jews expected to immigrate to Israel, but absorption will be a long and difficult road.

Israel

Germany’s Scholz behind Israel’s Bennett shuttle diplomacy on Ukraine

Associates of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett emphasize that his traveling to Moscow and Berlin and his contacts with all the parties were conducted with the US administration in the picture and with its blessing.

Israel

Libya turns on Russia over Ukraine war, but does it matter?

Libya’s incoming prime minister initially avoided commenting on Russia’s war in Ukraine. But after Russia welcomed his new government, he turned against Moscow.

North Africa

Ethiopia tries to divide Sudan, Egypt in talks over Nile Dam

Ethiopian and Sudanese officials have met separately over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, but Cairo and Khartoum are still mostly united in their concerns.

Egypt

Jerusalem churches fight new settlement plan

Church heads and officials in Jerusalem are fighting an Israeli plan to expand a national park on the Mount of Olives in east Jerusalem, where dozens of churches and Christian sites are located.

Palestine

Islamic State names new leader after prior chief's death

An audio statement from IS confirmed previous reports that Abu al-Hassan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi is its new leader, but his real identity and background is not clear.

Syria