French shift on Syria could open doors in Russia France’s newly elected president has indicated he is open to talks that could leave Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in power, bringing the country closer to Russia’s stance. Saudi Arabia
Citing US threat, Iran parliament looks to boost IRGC budget Iran’s parliament seeks to increase the military budget for the IRGC in response to the new policies of the Trump administration. U.S.
Financial watchdog drama provides ammunition for Iran's hard-liners While hailed by pro-Reform media outlets, the FATF’s decision to extend its temporary suspension of countermeasures on Iran has provided ammunition for hard-liners in Tehran. Iran
Germany says Hamburg no place for Erdogan rally as G-20 meets As Turkish-German tension continues to simmer, Germany has denied the Turkish president's request for a rally on the sidelines of the G-20 summit and a German former speaker of the European Parliament calls for an outright ban on pro-Erdogan rallies in Germany. Turkey
Gaza's children suffer as Hamas, PA continue conflict Five Israeli doctors discuss their recent visit to Gaza, where disease is rampant, medication is disappearing and medical patients have given up hope. Palestine
Justice minister's hunt for Israeli NGO not about justice Despite her lack of authority to even suggest it, Israel’s Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked is getting the investigation into Breaking the Silence spokesperson Dean Issacharoff she demanded. Palestine
Breaking the Silence must speak about one of its own It is in the Israeli public's interest to know whether a spokesman from an anti-occupation organization assaulted a Palestinian while serving as a soldier in Hebron. Palestine
Egypt supplying fuel to rescue Palestinians Egypt has come to the aid of the energy-starved Gaza Strip by delivering diesel fuel to operate the Strip's sole power plant at partial capacity. Palestine
Israel's controversial citizenship law persists With the extension of the Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law for the 14th year in a row, Palestinians in the West Bank will continue to be blocked from reunifying with family members in Israel. Palestine
Congress threatens to cut payments to Iraqi Kurds if they break with Baghdad The House defense bill makes continued peshmerga funding contingent on participation in a “unified Iraq.” Iraq
Treasury borrowing aggravates Turkey’s interest rate woes Ankara’s pressure on banks to lower interest rates has taken a menacing tone, but few seem to acknowledge the government’s own role in the increase of the rates. Turkey
Revival of 'Muslim ban' stirs outrage in Iran The US Supreme Court’s partial revival of President Donald Trump’s ban on citizens of six Muslim-majority countries, including Iran, triggers harsh condemnation by Tehran. U.S.
AKP frets as Turkish opposition's Justice March grows Turkey’s main opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu is leading a march of thousands from Ankara to Istanbul to protest the policies of the ruling Justice and Development Party, and the ruling party has reason to worry. Turkey
Israel's Ethiopian Jews keep ancient language alive in prayer For Israel's Ethiopian immigrants, the liturgical Ge’ez language is a fading memory used only in religious settings. Israel
Mosul residents divided over 'burqa ban' First the Islamic State and now security restrictions on wearing the full face veil, or niqab, have women and others in Mosul reassessing their perceptions of the practice. Iraq