Oil deal a sign of hope between Baghdad, Erbil An oil agreement signed by the Iraqi and Kurdish governments over the management of oil proceeds could be a new step in the normalization of relations between them. Iraq
Israeli fly-over coincides with attack on Lebanese army A day after the Lebanese army was ambushed in Baalbek on Dec. 2, Israeli aircraft violated Lebanese airspace in the same area, raising questions about a possible cooperation between Israel and Syrians on the border with Lebanon. Israel
Land grab in Turkey's southeast threatens return of minorities Armed and determined Kurdish tribes seize hundreds of acres of land owned by Christians and Yazidis in southeastern Turkey. Turkey
France promotes regional framework for Mideast conflict French President François Hollande has decided to promote an initiative to convene an international Middle East peace conference out of concern that the current political stalemate might lead to further escalation in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Palestine
Concern grows over Abbas’ autocratic tendencies Several Fatah figures are worried that President Mahmoud Abbas is overstepping his authority and trying to impose his rule over the legislative and judicial branches. Palestine
Who is paying for America's plan to train and equip Syrian rebels? Defense bill writers were told other nations will foot the bill. Syria
Palestine emerges as sticking point in spending bill negotiations House lawmakers are dead set against a Senate proposal to partially finance UNESCO since it recognized Palestine. Palestine
Russian envoy helps advance Iranian nuclear deal Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov has played a highly constructive role in helping to advance an Iran nuclear deal despite tensions between the Kremlin and the West. Russia
Iraq investigates private banks for money laundering 88% of private banks in Iraq are under investigation on charges of money laundering, which have become rampant in the country in the absence of efficient audits by the Central Bank. Iraq
Egyptian politicians accuse US of violating rights in Ferguson Egyptian authorities are calling for an investigation into the US' alleged violation of the right to peaceful protest, when US police forces used excessive force against demonstrators in the city of Ferguson, Mo. Egypt
Proposed bill challenges Turkish citizenship for foreign spouses The Justice and Development Party introduces a vague morality clause for the naturalization of foreign spouses to impose its own definition of marriage. Turkey
Hamas wants to extend unity government but with conditions Hamas wants changes for the unity government as its six-month term has come to an end, criticizing President Mahmoud Abbas for failing to address Gaza’s woes. Palestine
IRGC denies negotiations are source of Iran's security The head of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps believes that the country's nuclear negotiators derived their strength directly from Iran's military and defensive abilities. Iran
Ahead of elections, Lapid rebukes Netanyahu on US tensions Elections in Israel are usually decided over issues such as security, the economy or the personalities of the candidates, but this time it seems as if the serious crisis between the United States and Israel will be part of the agenda. Israel
Prominent Islamic scholar accuses AKP of corruption The widely respected Hayrettin Karaman, a key supporter of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party, has openly criticized the ruling elite as corrupt. Turkey
Gaza engineer develops new technology to replace cement Engineer Imad al-Khalidi has developed a replacement for cement to help the Gaza Strip deal with its housing crisis, after the Israeli war left many homes damaged or destroyed and in the face of Israel continuing to prevent the entry of construction materials. Palestine
