Iran | Aug 17, 2022 The Takeaway: Iran deal may come too late to stave off energy crisis in Europe Turkey’s mysterious foreign currency; Israel and Russia; Islamic Jihad says Tel Aviv reneges on truce; Palestinian activists claim social media crackdown; Iraq’s Coordination Framework.
Iraq | Aug 17, 2022 Kadhimi hosts national dialogue of Iraqi leaders to end political deadlock Iraqi political leaders joined today to discuss a roadmap for ending current political crisis, as part of an initiative for national dialogue, with all major parties except the Sadrists represented.
Turkey | Aug 17, 2022 Turkey, Israel to dispatch ambassadors in diplomatic renewal Israeli Prime Minister Lapid and Turkish President Erdogan agree on phone that the decision to return ambassadors and consuls general to Israel and Turkey will lead to new steps, including the upcoming convening of the Joint Economic Commission in Israel in September.
Israel | Aug 17, 2022 Ultra-nationalist lawmaker ramps up ahead of Israeli elections Head of the far-right Otzma Yehudit faction Itamar Ben Gvir says he no longer needs the Religious Zionism party as an ally to get into the Knesset.
Gulf | Aug 17, 2022 Saudi authorities find amphetamine pills in cleaning supplies Smugglers continue to use creative methods to bring drugs into the kingdom, which struggles with amphetamine addiction.
Saudi Arabia | Aug 17, 2022 Golf commentator who criticized Saudi-backed LIV Golf sued for defamation The Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee has been one of the most virulent critics of LIV Golf and is now being sued by Patrick Reed, who plays for the breakaway tour.
Egypt | Aug 17, 2022 Third filling of Nile dam heightens Ethiopia-Egypt crisis Ethiopia announced it has completed the third filling of the reservoir for its controversial dam on the Blue Nile, amid harsh reactions from its neighbors.
Palestine | Aug 17, 2022 Islamic Jihad says Israel reneges on ceasefire terms, threatens escalation The Gaza-based group expects the release of prisoners, and calls on Egypt to clarify agreement.
Iraq | Aug 17, 2022 Iraqi finance minister resigns over continuing political crisis Finance Minister Ali Abdul-Amir Allawi has resigned from his post in the Iraqi government.
Turkey | Aug 16, 2022 'Normalization' with Assad is the new normal in Turkey Comments by Turkey's foreign minister hinting at normalization with Damascus drove hundreds of Syrians across Turkish-occupied areas of northern Syria to stage demonstrations.
Boxing star Joshua avoids comment in Saudi as tweeter jailed Agence France-Presse | AFP | Aug 17, 2022
IMF sees Saudi growth soaring 7.6% this year on high oil prices Agence France-Presse | AFP | Aug 17, 2022
Syrian Kurdish leader Salih Muslim says Russia allows Turkish drone strikes but no ground offensive against Syria's Kurds