After months of secretive talks, Israel and the United Arab Emirates have announced a landmark deal (WSJ) to begin to normalize their diplomatic relations. Under the deal, brokered by the United States and announced Thursday, Israel will also temporarily halt annexation of parts of the West Bank. The agreement makes the UAE (Al-Monitor) only the third Arab state to recognize Israel, after Egypt and Jordan. The two sides are expected to sign the agreement and establish embassies in each other’s country in the coming weeks.
 
Though the deal was welcomed by the United Nations and several European countries, it drew a mixed response (Al Jazeera) in the region. Bahrain, Egypt, and Oman offered support, while Iran and Turkey criticized the agreement. Palestinian leaders also rebuked it (WaPo), with senior Fatah leader Jamal Mhaisen arguing that the UAE violated understandings not to normalize ties with Israel before the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

The U.S. State Department designated the Confucius Institutes, Chinese government–funded language and cultural centers, as a foreign mission (SCMP). The institutes, which comprise hundreds of student programs across the United States, will have to register their staff rosters and property holdings with the U.S. government.
 
This CFR Backgrounder looks at the Confucius Institutes as one of China’s soft-power tools.
 
North Korea: At least twenty-two people reportedly died (WaPo) and four others are missing amid floods that caused widespread damage and threatened the country’s main nuclear reactor. Leader Kim Jong-un said the country will not accept international assistance due to coronavirus concerns, according to state media.

Afghan authorities have freed (TOLO) eighty Taliban prisoners accused of serious crimes, including murder and kidnapping, the country’s National Security Council said today. The release of the prisoners has reportedly raised concerns among countries including Australia, France, and the United States.
 
This CFR Backgrounder explains the origins of the Taliban in Afghanistan.
 
India: Two police officers were killed and another wounded by militants in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir, which is under tightened security as India prepares to celebrate its independence tomorrow. Regional police vowed to “neutralize” (PTI) the attackers.

The United States seized Iranian oil from four vessels on their way to Venezuela on the grounds that they are in violation of U.S. sanctions, according to unnamed U.S. officials. The unprecedented move (WSJ) escalates the U.S. pressure campaign against Tehran, along with a proposal to extend an arms embargo against the country.

Violence broke out across the country, reportedly killing at least four people, over President Alassane Ouattara’s announcement that he will seek a third term (AFP) in the October 31 election despite a constitutional term limit. The unrest comes at the same time as protests calling for the president’s ouster in neighboring Mali.
 
This CFR In Brief explains the crisis in Mali.
 
Ethiopia: Authorities in the Oromia Region arrested some 1,700 local government officials over July protests that killed 240 people and forced thousands more to flee their homes. The officials are accused (East African) of failing to perform their duties and fomenting the violence.

Demonstrators say they were beaten and endured other abuses in detention centers during a government crackdown following the disputed presidential election. The deputy interior minister denied the allegations (BBC) and said authorities will release remaining detainees today.
 
European Union: The bloc raised concerns (Politico) about U.S. extraterritorial sanctions as Washington has put pressure on European entities not to help build the Russia-backed Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

The United States announced it is suspending most private charter flights (Miami Herald) to Cuba beginning October 13, with certain exceptions. The move, which comes on top of earlier air travel restrictions, is intended to stifle funds going to the Cuban government.
 
This CFR Backgrounder lays out U.S.-Cuba relations.
 
Bolivia: The postponed presidential election will be held on October 18 (Reuters) and any effort to reschedule the vote will face criminal punishment, under a new law. A powerful workers’ group rejected the move, which comes amid protests over the election date.

President Donald J. Trump said he is against increasing funding (NYT) for the U.S. Postal Service and election security measures, citing concerns about fraud from mail-in ballots. Trump indicated he could negotiate the issue as part of broader stimulus talks, which have stalled in Congress.