Turkish chef carves out international markets While Salt Bae, a restaurateur and butcher with 7 million followers on Instagram, prepares to open a steakhouse in New York after opening one in the United Arab Emirates, critics at home chop him to pieces. Turkey
Will US-Kurdish deal force Turkey back to PKK negotiation table? As Turkey's conflict with the PKK drags on and the United States has made obvious its support for Syria's Kurds, now would be an opportune time to restart negotiations with the PKK. Syria
Are Hezbollah, Israel heading for a third war? As talk of a third war breaking out between Lebanon's Hezbollah and Israel is increasing, some analysts say it is highly unlikely given the costs both sides would have to bear. Israel
Palestinians lament FIFA's delayed decision on settlement teams FIFA’s failure to make a decision about its own members' not honoring its statutes reflects the tremendous political pressure that is constantly exerted by Israel on various world bodies. Palestine
Hamas cracks down on Gaza journalists The security services in Gaza arrested 17 journalists last month in a crackdown against what it called “propagandists” who are alleged to be publishing false news and rumors. Palestine
Tomato ban reveals lingering problems between Russia, Turkey Russia is continuing its tomato ban, but its problems with Turkey are rooted elsewhere. Turkey
Polls put Rouhani in lead with one week to go Two new polls show incumbent Hassan Rouhani ahead of his five opponents with less than a week to go until first-round voting in Iran's presidential elections. Iran
What Saudi leaders expect from Trump’s visit Saudi officials see an opportunity to gain influence in the Middle East when US President Donald Trump visits their country later this week. Saudi Arabia
Southern front lines stalled for weeks in west Mosul Car bomb attacks have diminished as Iraqi forces are narrowing in on the remaining areas under Islamic State control in the city, but suicide bombers and snipers continue to claim victims among Iraqi forces holding defensive positions. Iraq
Gazans hope high-rise reconstruction can boost economy The Ministry of Public Works and Housing signed a series of contracts related to the Italian grant for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, including the reconstruction of the Italian complex that will house, once again, businesses and NGOs. Palestine
US continues buildup of Iraqi Kurdish forces The United States is supporting the Kurdistan Region by developing its military forces, but the support is a balancing act with Baghdad as they oppose building an independent Kurdish army. Iraq
Egypt registers its Jewish artifacts Egyptian authorities have begun a process to register and protect Jewish cemeteries and synagogues after decades of neglecting them. Culture & Society
Will Trump launch Mideast shuttle diplomacy? Palestinian leadership hopes that US President Donald Trump’s upcoming regional visit will advance the launching of a peace process based on the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. Palestine
Congress OK with Saudi missile defense sale amid warming Israel-Gulf ties Israel seems fine with Saudi Arabia getting an anti-ballistic missile system, as does Capitol Hill. Saudi Arabia
Can Russia, West cooperate on Libya? Moscow sees an opportunity to engage with Europe to help solve Libya’s crisis, and the US president seems ready and willing to stay out of it. Saudi Arabia
Can US calm Turkish nerves over arming Syrian Kurds? The United States seems aware of Turkish sensitivities, but the Americans can't guarantee the arms given to Syrian Kurdish forces won't ultimately fall into hands hostile to Turkey. Syria
