REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

01.12.2020

U.S. imposes sanctions on Chinese firm accused of undermining democracy in Venezuela

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-usa-sanctions/u-s-imposes-sanctions-on-chinese-firm-accused-of-undermining-democracy-in-venezuela-idUSKBN28A2BU

Azerbaijan fully reclaims lands around Nagorno-Karabakh

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/1/azeri-forces-raise-flag-in-last-district-handed-back-by-armenia

Turkey reaffirms readiness for dialogue with Greece

https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/amp/turkey-reaffirms-readiness-for-dialogue-with-greece-160508?__twitter_impression=true

UAE funding Russian Wagner mercenaries in Libya, says US

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201201-uae-funding-russian-wagner-mercenaries-in-libya-says-us/

Al-Qaeda fighters in Syria return to Yemen's Marib

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201201-al-qaeda-fighters-in-syria-return-to-yemens-marib/

02.12.2020

Libya thankful for Turkey's solidarity during hard times, deputy PM says

https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/libya-thankful-for-turkeys-solidarity-during-hard-times-deputy-pm-says/amp?__twitter_impression=true

Construction of Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire monitoring centre has begun – Turkey

https://www.reuters.com/article/armenia-azerbaijan-turkey-russia-int-idUSKBN28C1Q1

Biden: Iran nuclear deal best way to avoid Middle East arms race

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/2/biden-iran-nuclear-deal-best-way-to-avoid-middle-east-arms-race

Trump to Reportedly Pull Dozens of US Diplomats Out of Iraq as Tensions Grow Between US, Iran

https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/202012021081341137-trump-to-reportedly-pull-dozens-of-us-diplomats-out-of-iraq-as-tensions-grow-between-us-iran/

03.12.2020

U.S. military to keep two larger Afghan bases after drawdown to 2,500

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-afghanistan-drawdown-idUSKBN28C3AW

Iran is facing ‘comprehensive war that is worse than Iraq conflict’: Rouhani

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iran-is-facing-comprehensive-war-that-is-worse-than-iraq-conflict-rouhani/

04.12.2020

Trump's intelligence chief warns China is the greatest threat to US since WWII

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/12/03/politics/ratcliffe-china-threat-biden/index.html

Lebanon urges UN to stop Israeli airspace violations

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/lebanon-urges-un-to-stop-israeli-airspace-violations/2065278

China says U.S. should stop abusing the concept of national security

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-military-companies/china-says-u-s-should-stop-abusing-the-concept-of-national-security-idUSKBN28E0UX?il=0

Ethiopia aid delayed amid reports Tigray fighting continues – UN

https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/world-africa-55184096?__twitter_impression=true

Post-Brexit trade talks paused amid 'significant divergences'

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-55191432

05.12.2020

Trump orders withdrawal of US troops from Somalia

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55196130

Turkey's foreign minister: 'No one has right to question Turkey's NATO membership'

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201205-turkeys-foreign-minister-no-one-has-right-to-question-turkeys-nato-membership/

06.12.2020

Nearly 100 arrested during another anti-security law protest in France

https://www.euronews.com/2020/12/05/dozens-of-rallies-to-march-through-france-against-security-bill

Japan, France, U.S. plan their first joint military drills in May: media

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-france-defence/japan-france-u-s-plan-their-first-joint-military-drills-in-may-media-idUSKBN28G051

Erdogan: France's Karabakh resolution is a 'disaster'

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201206-erdogan-frances-karabakh-resolution-is-a-disaster/

07.12.2020

Yemen calls for placing Houthi rebels on terror list

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/yemen-calls-for-placing-houthi-rebels-on-terror-list/2068095

Turkey's actions worsen gas dispute ahead of summit, EU says

https://www.reuters.com/article/turkey-eu/turkey-will-not-bow-to-threats-in-east-med-wants-negotiation-erdogan-idUSKBN28H0YM?il=0

Ex-envoy says US and Turkey are preventing Syrian Army from retaking entire country

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/ex-envoy-says-us-and-turkey-are-preventing-syrian-army-from-retaking-entire-country/

Significant number of Syrian Army reinforcements pour into southern Idlib with heavy weapons

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/significant-number-of-syrian-army-reinforcements-pour-into-southern-idlib-with-heavy-weapons/

Alongside Sisi, Macron says France will sell arms to Egypt irrespective of rights

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-egypt/alongside-sisi-macron-says-france-will-sell-arms-to-egypt-irrespective-of-rights-idUSKBN28H0BG?il=0

Israel seeking to rebuild full diplomatic ties with Turkey

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-turkey-diplomatic-ties-full-rebuild-mediterranean-gas

Oman rejects US plans to designate Yemen's Houthis as terrorists

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201207-oman-rejects-us-plans-to-designate-yemens-houthis-as-terrorists/

Alongside Sisi, Macron says France will sell arms to Egypt irrespective of rights

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201207-alongside-sisi-macron-says-france-will-sell-arms-to-egypt-irrespective-of-rights/

08.12.2020

UN resolution urges Russia to withdraw from Crimea

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/un-resolution-urges-russia-to-withdraw-from-crimea/2068987

US military withdrawal raises fears of potential Iranian attacks: military official

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-military-withdrawal-raises-fears-of-potential-iranian-attacks-military-official/

Eastern Libyan rebel forces seize Turkish ship

https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2020/12/8/eastern-libyan-rebel-forces-seize-turkish-ship

Libya's DM threatens to end ceasefire due to Haftar's violations

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201208-libyas-dm-threatens-to-end-ceasefire-due-to-haftars-violations/

Macron: France rejects current situation in Eastern Mediterranean

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201208-macron-france-rejects-current-situation-in-eastern-mediterranean/

Ethiopia says U.N. team shot at in Tigray after defying checkpoints

https://www.reuters.com/article/ethiopia-conflict/ethiopia-says-u-n-team-shot-at-in-tigray-after-defying-checkpoints-idUSKBN28I1LT?il=0

09.12.2020

U.S. blacklists Iranian envoy, possibly to pressure Yemen's Houthis

https://www.reuters.com/article/middle-east/idUSKBN28I222?il=0

Turkish army completely withdraws from strategic point near Aleppo city

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-army-completely-withdraws-from-strategic-point-near-aleppo-city/

Libyan navy’s seizure of Turkish ship is major blow to Ankara and its military presence in Libya: expert

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/libyan-navys-seizure-of-turkish-ship-is-major-blow-to-ankara-and-its-military-presence-in-libya-expert/

Israel ‘very comfortable’ with $23B UAE arms sale, says ambassador

https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/12/israel-dermer-f-35-weapons-sale-uae-netanyahu-j-street-arms.amp.html?skipWem=1&__twitter_impression=true

Turkey's Erdogan to discuss U.S. strains when Biden takes Office

https://www.reuters.com/article/middle-east/idUSKBN28J18B?il=0

10.12.2020

Turkey’s preparation of S-400 system on track: minister

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-s-preparation-of-s-400-system-on-track-minister/2071694

The Syrian mercenaries used as 'cannon fodder' in Nagorno-Karabakh

https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-55238803

Morocco joins other Arab nations agreeing to normalize Israel ties

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-usa-morocco/morocco-joins-other-arab-nations-agreeing-to-normalize-israel-ties-idUSKBN28K2CN?il=0

Syrian Army, SDF establish new points in key northern Raqqa town after Turkish forces attack

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-sdf-establish-new-points-in-key-northern-raqqa-town-after-turkish-forces-attack/

Exclusive: U.S. set to sanction Turkey over Russian defense system – sources

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-turkey-sanctions-exclusive/exclusive-u-s-set-to-sanction-turkey-over-russian-defense-system-sources-idUSKBN28K2TX

11.12.2020

Erdogan says U.S. sanctions would 'disrespect' Turkey

https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-turkey-sanctions-erdogan/erdogan-says-u-s-sanctions-would-disrespect-turkey-idUSKBN28L0ZD?il=0

Morocco, Israel normalisation is 'betrayal' of Palestine - Iranian official

https://www.reuters.com/article/israel-usa-morocco-iran/morocco-israel-normalisation-is-betrayal-of-palestine-iranian-official-idUSKBN28L1DX?il=0

12.12.2020

European leaders inch closer towards sanctions on Turkey

https://www.euronews.com/2020/12/11/european-leaders-inch-closer-towards-sanctions-on-turkey

Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: UN 'alarmed' by treatment of Eritrean refugees

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-55277843

US sends 2 nuclear bombers to Middle East to flex muscles near Iranian border

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-sends-2-nuclear-bombers-to-middle-east-to-flex-muscles-near-iranian-border/

Russian Peacekeepers Urge Armenia, Azerbaijan to Uphold Karabakh Ceasefire After Violation Claims

https://sputniknews.com/asia/202012121081439670-russian-peacekeepers-urge-armenia-azerbaijan-to-uphold-karabakh-ceasefire-after-violation-claims/

Army spokesman: Armed convoy of Haftar militias headed toward the southern region

https://www.libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/army-spokesman-armed-convoy-haftar-militias-headed-toward-southern-region

13.12.2020

Turkish army launches new attack in northern Syria

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-army-launches-new-attack-in-northern-syria/

Yemeni separatists withdraw Aden under Riyadh pact

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201213-yemeni-separatists-withdraw-aden-under-riyadh-pact/

Azerbaijan says Armenia violated cease-fire in Karabakh

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/azerbaijan-front-line/azerbaijan-says-armenia-violated-cease-fire-in-karabakh/2075484

14.12.2020

US removes Sudan from ‘state sponsors of terror’ list: Embassy

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/14/us-officially-removes-sudan-from-state-sponsors-of-terrorism-list

Turkey appoints ambassador to Israel after two years: Report

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/14/turkey-selects-new-ambassador-to-israel-report

Iran's missile programme is non-negotiable, says Rouhani

https://www.reuters.com/article/iran-nuclear-usa-int-idUSKBN28O1KU

Ukraine to buy Turkish drones and warships

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/ukraine-to-buy-turkish-drones-and-warships/

3 pro-Iran military experts killed in air strike in Syria

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201214-3-pro-iran-military-experts-killed-in-air-strike-in-syria/

'EU sanctions won't change Turkey's position in E.Med'

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/eu-sanctions-wont-change-turkeys-position-in-emed/2076856

Pompeo tells Turkey its purchase of S-400 missile defense system will endanger U.S. military

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-pompeo-turkey-idUSKBN28O2LN

China bails out Pakistan for repayment of debt to Saudi Arabia

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201214-china-bails-out-pakistan-for-repayment-of-debt-to-saudi-arabia/

15.12.2020

Azerbaijan slams US sanctions against Turkey

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/azerbaijan-slams-us-sanctions-against-turkey/2076999

Armenia and Azerbaijan exchange first prisoners after Karabakh war

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-armenia-azerbaijan-prisoners-idUSKBN28P0SD

US sanctions on Turkey harm alliance: Defense minister

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/us-sanctions-on-turkey-harm-alliance-defense-minister/2077572

Israeli infrastructure projects aid the de facto annexation of Palestinian land

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201215-israeli-infrastructure-projects-aid-the-de-facto-annexation-of-palestinian-land/

16.12.2020

Somalia cuts diplomatic ties with Kenya

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201216-somalia-cuts-diplomatic-ties-with-kenya/

Erdogan: US sanctions ‘blatant attack’ on Turkey’s sovereignty

https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/erdogan-us-sanctions-blatant-attack-on-turkey-s-sovereignty-42411

'Turkey will help Iraq eliminate all PKK terrorists'

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/turkey-will-help-iraq-eliminate-all-pkk-terrorists/2078760

Iran nuke deal sides' ministers due for talks next week

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/iran-nuke-deal-sides-ministers-due-for-talks-next-week/2079402

17.12.2020

US-Turkey ties can normalize if US meets Ankara’s demands: Turkish FM

https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/us-sanctions-attack-turkeys-sovereign-rights-fm-cavusoglu-160918?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=us-sanctions-attack-turkeys-sovereign-rights-fm-cavusoglu-160918&utm_term=post

US, Greece agree to enhance cooperation on energy

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/us-greece-agree-to-enhance-cooperation-on-energy/2080294

Iran demands immediate withdrawal of US forces inside Syria

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iran-demands-immediate-withdrawal-of-us-forces-inside-syria/

No Doubt’: Iran’s Rouhani Says US Will Rejoin 2015 Nuclear Deal, Lift Sanctions Under Biden

https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/202012171081495746-no-doubt-irans-rouhani-says-us-will-rejoin-2015-nuclear-deal-lift-sanctions-under-biden/