Turkey’s exports decrease amid regional tension Turkey has suffered unexpected declines in its exports to Iraq, Libya, Egypt, Ukraine and Russia, though Turkish exports to Russia may have more potential following its recent foodstuff import boycott of the United States and European Union. Egypt
Kurds prepare for counteroffensive as US strikes IS US airstrikes against the Islamic State (IS) have boosted the morale of Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga forces that are getting ready for a counteroffensive to regain lost territory. Iraq
Both Israel and Hamas claim victory Both sides, Israel and Hamas, will have to compromise as the Gaza campaign will be declared a draw. Palestine
Is Lebanon next target of Islamic State? Lebanon battles extremist armed groups; Egypt’s political isolation in Gaza; Iran’s shift on Hamas; family of Al-Monitor columnist killed by Israeli airstrike; lobbying series continues. Palestine
Appointments: Political-Military Affairs Puneet Talwar, Special Assistant to the President and National Security Council senior director for Iran, Iraq, and the Persian Gulf, is expected to be nominated as Assistant Secretary of State for Political Military Affairs. Originals
Higginbottom mulled for Management and Resources Deputy Secretary US officials have said that State Department counselor Heather Higginbottom is being strongly considered for the post of Deputy Secretary of State for management and resources.. Originals
Kerry meets Syria opposition US Secretary of State John Kerry has said that the US and Moscow are both committed to convening for peace talks "as soon as possible." Syria
Critics of Erdogan become victims of smear campaigns Al-Monitor columnist Amberin Zaman became the latest target after she was singled out by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his followers on social media. Turkey
Peace talks to get underway, Kerry names Indyk envoy Following informal talks between Israeli, Palestinian, and US diplomats, US Secretary of State john Kerry will host Israeli and Palestinian negotiators for an iftar dinner as the peace process resumes after a three year hiatus. Palestine
Erdogan's divisive politics will give him first-round victory Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's fervent ethnic and religious discrimination will enable him to win in the first round of Turkey's presidential election. Turkey
Kerry names Indyk peace envoy, calls for reasonable compromise Secretary of State John Kerry has named former US envoy to Israel and Clinton peace negotiator Martin Indyk as his new special peace envoy. Palestine
Ford Likely to helm Egypt mission With Anne Patterson expected to be nominated as Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs, US officials have told Al-Monitor that Syria Envoy Robert Ford is likely to be nominated as the next Ambassador to Egypt. Egypt
Feeling heat, Maliki warns Sistani against opposing third term Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani hinted at Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s intention to seek a third term, saying that Iraqi officials should not cling to their positions in power. Iraq
HFAC staff moves There has been a major shuffle in the House Foreign Affairs committee Minority Staff. Originals
Ashton congratulates Iran's Rouhani, urges renewed nuclear talks European Union Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton sent a letter to new Iranian President Hassan Rouhani congratulating him and expressing an eagerness to pursue a deal on Iran's nuclear program. Iran
Appointments: Counselor Outgoing US Ambassador to Brazil Tom Shannon is expected to be tapped as Counselor to US Secretary of State John Kerry. Originals
