Syrians in Turkey baffled by Trump’s safe zones plan A state of confusion and uncertainty prevails among Syrians living in Turkey, after the announcement by US President Donald Trump at the end of last month of his decision to create safe zones for civilians in Syria. Syria
Iraqi forces prepare to retake western Mosul Iraqi forces are prepping to liberate densely populated western Mosul from the Islamic State, which is expected to put up a fierce fight. Iraq
Noted 'neocon' finds surprising support from Democrats in Trump's America Iraq war cheerleader Elliott Abrams is in the running for the No. 2 spot at the State Department. Will Democrats put their misgivings behind them in order to rein in Trump? United States
How Russia's Muslims view Trump's anti-Islam stance Russia is home to 20 million Muslims, yet many officials and citizens are withholding judgment — at least publicly — on the US ban to keep out people from seven Muslim-majority countries. Russia
Ankara shifts public assets to sovereign wealth fund In a move critics say is financially risky and intended to concentrate money into corrupt hands, the Turkish government has created a sovereign wealth fund to finance its infrastructural projects as the lira falls. Turkey
Why this Iranian conservative-turned-moderate will succeed Rafsanjani Conservative-turned-moderate Iranian parliament Speaker Ali Larijani increasingly appears the most suited figure to assume the influential role that was played by Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. United States
Khamenei thanks Trump for 'revealing real face of US' Iran’s supreme leader on Feb. 7 thanked President Donald Trump for revealing “the real face of the US.” Meanwhile, the Iranian foreign minister stated that the international community will not accept a renegotiation of the nuclear deal. United States
How embracing 'Ottomania' may backfire on Turkey's ruling party As the April referendum approaches, the pro-Erdogan camp’s calculation to benefit from the Ottoman dream is shattered with a member of the dynasty demanding reparations and the throne. Turkey
Nile River project seeks 'Africa without borders' The African Union Steering Committee announced that the massive Nile River navigation project will be complete by 2024, but challenges lie ahead. Egypt
Nablus' only oud maker keeps city in tune Through a long career dedicated to the oud, Ali Hassanein has a unique perspective of the ancient and treasured Arab musical instrument. Palestine
Why king’s visit to Washington was essential for Jordan King Abdullah’s visit to the United States, where he met with President Donald Trump, helped reassure Jordanians that US military and economic support for the kingdom will continue. Palestine
Hamas leader: Gaza won't harbor individuals who 'aim to harm Egypt' Deputy head of Hamas’ political bureau Mousa Abu Marzouk told Al-Monitor that Hamas does "not interfere in Egypt's security affairs" and said some countries had contacted the movement to discuss a prisoner swap deal with Israel. Palestine
Egyptian film battles IS with comedy Egyptians are turning out in droves to see a new Egyptian movie satirizing the Islamic State, which aims to target the terrorist group and extremism from a different perspective. Egypt
What Jordan's king told Trump The Palestinian leadership has failed thus far to establish direct channels of communication with the White House, but Jordan’s King Abdullah II may have succeeded in transmitting at least one of its messages to President Donald Trump. Palestine
Israeli peace camp should use language Trump understands: Private property With President Donald Trump in the White House, the Israeli peace camp should focus its strategy on highlighting the theft of Palestinian lands for settlement construction. Palestine
Controversial canal again sparks dispute in Iraq The Khor Abdullah maritime canal between Kuwait and Iraq has ignited a political crisis in Iraq amid accusations that Iraq's Cabinet gave away Iraqi territory. Kuwait
