Iraqis wary of political role for Popular Mobilization Units Signs indicate that the PMU hopes to assume a political role in Iraq, which has raised concerns among some Iraqis. Iraq
Anatomy of a Turkish assassination fable The scenario of a fictional Tel Hamis Brigades assassinating key Kurdish military leader Bahoz Erdal bombed badly, but revealed that Turkey's intelligence service and special forces are hunting the PKK beyond Turkey's borders. Syria
Israel's plan to keep tech giants from fleeing Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon has announced a plan to slash Israel's 25% corporate tax to just 6% for such internet giants as Google and Facebook in a bid to keep the companies in Israel. Israel
Saudi Arabia's Faisal: Iran is breeding chaos through Hamas Hamas tries to explain away Saudi Arabia's harsh words for the organization, as alliances appear to be shifting in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
Pokemon Go brings Turkish gamers out to streets As the Pokemon Go game becomes a global phenomenon, the Turks question whether the game can be banned before becoming available in the country. Turkey
Watchdogs: US aid to Syria at high risk for fraud US partners could do more to ensure that humanitarian assistance gets to the right people, the GAO told Congress. Syria
Channel to monitor Iranian procurement awaits real test A new organization created by the Iran nuclear deal is waiting for foreign companies to seek approval to sell Iran nuclear-related goods and services and other items with possible military applications. United States
Kerry, Putin meet to salvage Syria peace talks US Secretary of State John Kerry met with Russian President Vladimir Putin July 14 to see if they could reach an agreement on a US plan to deepen US-Russian coordination on Syria. Syria
Egyptians ditch daylight saving time Parliament has prevailed in its quest to keep the government from adjusting clocks twice a year, as daylight saving runs out of time in Egypt. Egypt
Moscow’s turnaround on Turkey Common national interests such as security and economic issues remain the prime core of improved relations between Moscow and Ankara. Syria
Rouhani's staff reshuffle fails to satisfy critics Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has made changes to two vice presidential positions, but the move did little to reassure those watching the economy continue to decline. Iran
Is the Islamic State planning a cyber-caliphate? Under pressure on the battlefield, IS has been moving its caliphate to the virtual world and is targeting Turkey in particular. Iraq
EU to push Israel-Palestine peace process as Quartet report flops Despite cold reactions by both Israelis and Palestinians to the Quartet report, the EU is determined to establish a roadmap for an international conference on a two-state solution process. Palestine
Will conflict continue as Iraq's Sunni areas are liberated from IS? A new type of conflict may arise in Iraqi areas recently liberated from the Islamic State as different Sunni forces compete to regain political and economic control. Iraq
Inside Gaza's traditional tribal courts Known for their efficiency and simple procedures compared to the official judiciary, tribal courts hold a significant position among Palestinian families in the Gaza Strip who resort to them to resolve their disputes. Palestine
Iran takes page from US Treasury’s playbook Having spent two years on negotiating the nuclear deal, it seems that Iran’s foreign minister is now focusing his efforts on making sure that the JCPOA is effectively implemented. United States
