Will Trump split the Israeli right? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman are using their US allies as strategic assets in their battles against Education Minister Naftali Bennett. Israel
Gulf countries take back seat on Syria route It seems Saudi Arabia is more interested in Yemen than in Syria these days, which explains dwindling Gulf support for Syrian rebels. Saudi Arabia
Why Iraq’s law on Popular Mobilization Units isn't all that popular A law outlining the future of the Popular Mobilization Units in Iraq was passed months ago but has yet to be enacted as opposing forces continue their debates. Iraq
Why is IS targeting Copts in Sinai? In a change of strategy in the area, Wilayat Sinai, the Islamic State affiliate in Egypt, has stepped up its attacks against Coptic Christians in the Sinai Peninsula, specifically in el-Arish. Egypt
Are pro-Erdogan groups buying arms to prep for potential coup? A relative of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has set up a group called the "Stay as Brothers, Turkey” against a possible new coup attempt. Turkey
Can Congress compromise on bipartisan Iran sanctions law? Senate Foreign Relations Committee leaders say they're getting closer to an agreement on non-nuclear sanctions. Congress
Erdogan’s domestic agenda leaves Turkey facing new foreign crises Ankara is furious as European countries ban rallies by Turkish ministers aimed at getting support of expatriate Turks for Erdogan’s executive presidency. Turkey
Turkey, US, Russia military chiefs meet to discuss anti-IS strategy Turkey, Russia and the United States met today in Antalya, Turkey, in an attempt to find common ground in the battle against the Islamic State in Syria, but they disagree in regard to which groups in the Syrian war are terrorists. Syria
Is spotlight on Trump’s Russia ties slowing US-Russia cooperation in Syria? Intense scrutiny and investigations of possible ties between Trump associates and Russia may complicate prospects for US-Russian cooperation in the fight against IS and in Syria. It may happen anyway. Syria
Polish artists turn Cairo's City of the Dead into gallery Colorful graffiti breathes life into the City of the Dead. Egypt
Allure of riches draws young Iranians to network marketing Network marketing is growing increasingly popular among young Iranians looking for new ways to make a quick buck. Iran
Iran’s Rouhani moves to form campaign headquarters In a move to perhaps end rumors of his reluctance to run in Iran’s upcoming presidential vote, incumbent Hassan Rouhani has set up a formal campaign headquarters. Iran
Syrian dramas shed light on revolution A number of Syrian youth now living across the border in Turkey are using television series to articulate the suffering of Syrian citizens under the civil war. Syria
The Putin-Trump era of Middle East negotiations The Palestinian leadership is encouraged by indications that Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning to play a major role in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestine
What is happening in the Turkish military? A Hurriyet article suggesting ongoing rumblings in the military appear to have been borne out by the official responses to it. Turkey
Burning oil wells no match for soccer-loving Iraqis Soccer players from Team Asoosa, in Qayyarah, are rejoicing in reuniting and being able to again play the game they love after their town's liberation from the Islamic State. Iraq
