Turkey downplays IS threat, but concerns grow As the Islamic state draws closer to the Turkish border and Ankara struggles to overcome its differences with the Iraqi administration, Turkey may be left to face the jihadist threat on its own. Iraq
NPR's Deborah Amos reports on Syria from front lines Veteran National Public Radio Middle East correspondent Deborah Amos has reported from Syria that the regime forces and rebel groups are fighting for supply lines to their respective regional allies. Syria
Kerry, Rice brief Jewish, Arab American groups on Mideast peace talks US Secretary of State John Kerry and National Security Adviser Susan Rice briefed Jewish and Arab American groups Thursday and Friday on the Israel-Palestine peace talks in an effort to bolster support. Palestine
Egypt may ban Brotherhood supporters from joining army The recent announcement by Egyptian attorney Azeb Makhlouf warning about the recruitment of men affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood in the Egyptian army has stirred controversy. Egypt
Moscow sees opportunity in Iraq instability Moscow is continuing arms sales to Iraq and pursuing a policy that may allow it to weaken US influence in the country. Iraq
Appointments: Econ, Syria, NEA US Ambassador to Yemen Gerald Feierstein is expected to be tapped as PDAS in the NEA bureau, US Ambassador to France Charles Rivkin is expected to be nominated Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, and more. Originals
Obama tries to strike balance on Egypt after crackdown President Obama announced the US would cancel a planned joint military exercise with Egypt over deepening concern after a government crack down on Muslim Brotherhood protesters killed 500. Egypt
Top Iran, EU diplomats agree to meet to plan new nuclear talks EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton and new Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif have agreed to meet, fueling speculation that Iran's nuclear negotiating file might be put under the control of newly elected President Hassan Rouhani. Iran
US airstrikes alone will not defeat IS The US militarily intervention in Iraq will be limited, according to President Barack Obama. Iraq
Iraqi Turkmens fleeing from Sinjar receive no help from Turkey Kasim Kara, Iraqi Turkmen Front spokesman, says he was not allowed into Turkey at the Habur gate on Aug. 7 because not all members of his family have passports. Iraq
Gaza war brings Hamas, Hezbollah closer The war on Gaza offers an opportunity to renegotiate the strategic relationship between Hamas and Hezbollah, whose relationship has been severed over the past three years, providing major obstacles can be overcome. Qatar
In Palestine, resistance more popular than negotiations In the aftermath of the Gaza war, with a strengthened Hamas and little hope of change from the Israeli government, the West Bank Palestinian leadership considers either working toward a transitory agreement with Israel or taking the UN route, with the backing of the European Union. Palestine
Liberman calls for economic boycott of Israel's Arabs Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman's call for a boycott of the businesses of Arabs who identified with Gaza residents has added fuel to the fire that threatens the delicate relationship between Israel's Arabs and Jews. Israel
Burns, Sullivan to stay on to work on Iran deal Set to retire, Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns and Biden advisor Jake Sullivan will stay on as special government employees to work on reaching an Iran nuclear deal after they leave their posts, the State Department said. Iran
Israeli media wakes up to Gaza destruction, criticism With the war nearing its end, Israeli media features the destruction of Gaza, not only in numbers but in images, exposing the Israeli public to the suffering of the Palestinians and to harsh criticism voiced by European leaders. Palestine
Libyan presidential candidate makes campaign stop in DC Officials meeting on the sidelines of an Africa summit in Washington discuss the deteriorating security situation in Libya, while a Libyan businessman networks to run for president back home. Libya
