KRG PM: Talk of Iraqi Kurdish independence red line for Iran, but not Turkey In an extensive interview with Al-Monitor at his office in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani speaks about the battle for Mosul, relations with Baghdad and Ankara, and aspirations for independence. Iraq
Gaza to hear appeal of woman’s death sentence A woman who says her husband beat her is appealing her death sentence with the support of more than a dozen rights groups. Palestine
How these Bedouin in Israel are working to save their village After 107 demolitions, the residents of al-Araqib are gaining international attention through a social media campaign. Israel
Why is Israel allowing armored jeeps into the West Bank? After a four-year ban, Israel has now agreed to allow the Palestinian Authority to import armored vehicles in light of the deteriorating internal security situation in the West Bank, which worries the PA. Palestine
Iraq's Muslims celebrate Christmas in solidarity with Christians In a sign of solidarity, Iraqi Muslims celebrate Christmas in a bigger fashion than last year, while the migration of Iraqi Christians is still on the rise. Iraq
Obama administration allows Americans to train Iranians New regulations unveiled Dec. 22 allow drug, medical device and agricultural experts to travel to Iran. United States
Did Zarif really say it was a 'mistake' to trust Kerry? Once again, Iranian hard-liners move to tarnish the reputation of Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif — this time by attributing to him false remarks about the “mistake” of trusting the United States. United States
Erdogan claims Turkey in 'greatest struggle' since independence In his latest speech, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan invoked a traumatic memory for Turks, the Treaty of Sevres, in a move calculated to appeal to his nationalist supporters. Syria
Why Ankara now feels vulnerable to Russia The assassination of the Russian ambassador in Ankara has engaged Turkey to the Russian option in Syria, while Russia sees it as an opportunity to create an alternative axis in the Middle East Syria
Could ambassador's slaying bring about Russian-Turkish cooperation? Russian and Turkish cooperation in the battle against terrorism could help bring about a more stable Middle East. Syria
How social media is changing Israel’s approach to sexual harassment After five years in prison for rape, former President Moshe Katsav has been released into a world where more Israeli women are ready to expose sexual harassment instead of hiding in fear and shame. Israel
Turkish Islamists’ trial with sectarianism Turkish Islamists’ Middle Eastern vision did not begin with a sectarian outlook, but the existing sectarian tension may change this. Turkey
Questions arise about large Palestinian security budget The budget of the Palestinian security forces is being questioned, and attempts are being made by the United States to cut it back. Palestine
Is Egypt's Sisi losing Coptic support? Following the attack on Cairo’s largest Coptic church, Egyptian Copts held demonstrations condemning President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his administration for failing to protect them, although others maintain their support. Egypt
Preventable illnesses menace children in Yemen The war in Yemen is showing no signs of ending, and as this most violent period of its modern history drags on, young children are as much at risk to disease as to militant violence. Yemen
Will the pope finally visit Iraq once IS is defeated? Ever since Pope Francis promised to visit Iraq, Iraqi officials have called on him to arrange the trip as soon as the Islamic State is defeated in Iraq. Iraq
