Jordan
Mideast's Jordan River: Rich in holiness, poor in water | AP News
ALONG THE JORDAN RIVER (AP) — Kristen Burckhartt felt overwhelmed. She needed time to reflect, to let it sink in that she had just briefly soaked her feet in the water where Jesus is said to have been baptized, in the Jordan River.
The Muslim World
Israel and Turkey to Restore Ties After Yearslong Tension Over Palestinians - WSJ
The two countries say they will restore their ambassadors in Ankara and Tel Aviv, the latest demonstration of warming relations between the former rivals.
Ship that Ukraine alleges has stolen wheat likely off Syria | AP News
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A Russian cargo ship that Ukraine alleges holds stolen wheat from territory seized by Moscow appears to have reached the Syrian port of Tartus, according to satellite images analyzed Thursday by The Associated Press.
Egypt appoints central bank caretaker chief amid crisis | AP News
CAIRO (AP) — Egypt's president on Thursday appointed a caretaker governor of the central bank, the president's office said, a day after the bank's chief resigned amid a grinding economic crisis triggered by Russia's war on Ukraine.
Turkey lowers interest rate even as inflation soars to 80% | AP News
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey’s central bank on Thursday lowered its key interest rate despite inflation surging to nearly 80% and making it difficult for people to buy what they need, falling in line with the unorthodox economic views of the country's president.
Explosion at Mosque in Afghan Capital Kills 21 - WSJ
The attack in northern Kabul comes on the heels of the first anniversary of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan.
EU hosts crisis Serbia-Kosovo meeting amid soaring tensions | AP News
BRUSSELS (AP) — The leaders of Serbia and Kosovo failed Thursday to reach an agreement on longstanding border and mutual recognition issues that have spiked tensions in the Balkans and added to Europe's instability during the war in Ukraine, the European Union's foreign policy chief said.
General News
Judge denies bail for Rushdie's attacker, bars interviews | AP News
MAYVILLE, N.Y. (AP) — A judge refused to grant bail Thursday to the man accused of trying to kill Salman Rushdie as the acclaimed author prepared to give a talk in western New York. Hadi Matar, 24, appeared in a western New York courtroom after a grand jury indicted him on charges that he rushed the stage at the Chautauqua Institution and stabbed Rushdie multiple times in front of a horrified crowd.
Finance and Economy
Russia jumps to become third-largest market for yuan payments amid sanctions | Reuters
Russia has charged up to third place in a list of countries outside mainland China using the yuan for global payments, highlighting how it is being affected by Western sanctions.
Quds Matters
Israel Seals Offices of Palestinian Rights Groups It Labeled Terrorist Organizations - WSJ
Israel sealed the offices of seven Palestinian nongovernmental organization months after a decision to designate them as terrorist groups sparked an international backlash.