Turkey’s pro-Erdogan media purge The unexpected dismissals of three top executives from two of Turkey’s key pro-Erdogan newspapers has led to questions about the power games in the ruling AKP. Turkey
Iran MP criticizes body that supervises supreme leader Iranian conservative parliament member Ali Motahari has criticized the Assembly of Experts and continued house arrest without trial of the Green Movement leaders. Iran
Israel: Turkey insincere about mending fences Several emissaries are trying to reconcile Turkey and Israel, but the latter feels that resetting relations requires a sincere change of approach: an end to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's declarations against Israel and to his support for Hamas terror. Israel
In latest peace plans for Syria, Assad can stay Peace proposals by Russia, the UN secretary-general's special envoy and a European think tank are making news. Syria
Israeli nationality bill negates Palestinian self-determination Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stubborn insistence on pushing through the nationality bill is not driven by political motives alone, but reflect his and his cohorts' belief that the Palestinians are not even a people. Palestine
Turkey's Hamas 'bureau' Hamas activist Saleh al-Arouri, previously expelled from Israel, found refuge in Turkey, where he managed to create a militant alternative to the movement’s splintered leadership. Palestine
After joining IS, Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis expands in Egypt Terrorist group Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis is developing its strategy and tactics after joining the Islamic State, and threatens to spread the violence to Egyptian cities outside Sinai. Egypt
Turkey's women expand role in military The Turkish army is witnessing a rapid increase of females in its ranks. Turkey
Palestinians prepare push for UN resolution on statehood The Arab League has agreed to submit a draft resolution calling for recognition of the state of Palestine as Palestinians gear up for a diplomatic showdown at the UN Security Council. Palestine
Sistani denies supporting Soleiman's involvement in Iraq The office of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has denied allegations that he supports the Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani's presence and Iranian involvement in Iraq in the fight against the Islamic State. Iraq
