Kurdish-backed militia launches Raqqa operation as another declares war on Turkey Coming just days after the Pentagon began distributing weapons to the YPG, Turkey could easily construe threats of escalation by the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons as proof that US support for the Syrian Kurds emboldens the Kurdistan Workers Party. Syria
German troops poised to leave Turkey for Jordan President Recep Tayyip Erdogan might have miscalculated the patience of Western leaders who adopted an “appeasement” policy regarding Turkey. Turkey
Turkey can't afford to take sides in Qatar crisis A rattled Ankara is trying to keep to the middle ground in the crisis around its ally Qatar, but its soft calls for dialogue are unlikely to have much impact. Qatar
Netanyahu feels on top of the world Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu multiplies his meetings with Likud activists, as a sign to his rivals in the party that no one can challenge his leadership. Israel
New 'rules of the game' for Israeli-Hamas standoff The expulsion from Qatar of Hamas leaders and the movement's reconciliation with Iran has potentially changed the "rules of the game" between Israel and Hamas. Qatar
Russian Subbotniks dream of coming to Israel After joining the Jewish people two centuries ago, the Subbotnik community feels that Israel should recognize them as Jews and enable them to immigrate. Countries
Jordan pins hopes on US-Russian accord on southern Syria Amid talks about secret trilateral meetings being held in Amman between Jordan, the United States and Russia to establish a de-escalation zone in southern Syria, Jordan would reject the presence of Islamic State militants on its northern borders, or fighters supported by Iran. Jordan
Online database gives uncensored look into Lebanon's censorship A Lebanese NGO has launched a virtual library to track the history of banned artistic works and products in Lebanon, shedding light on evolving limits of freedom of expression in the country. Lebanon
What's the real goal of Tunisia’s campaign against corruption? In a supposed anti-corruption move, the Tunisian government arrested eight businessmen, including one charged with treason and endangering the country's safety. Tunisia
Women-only cafe opens in Upper Egypt The instantly popular Pink Cafe for women meets a need in Upper Egypt, a conservative place where women have few options for socializations and entertainment. Egypt
Blocking embassy move to Jerusalem Trump's wisest decision yet By signing the waiver against moving the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, President Donald Trump displayed responsibility and sound judgment. Palestine
The curious timing of the Qatar crisis The latest Middle East crisis, the rift between Qatar and its Gulf Cooperation Council partners, has come at a sensitive time for the Gulf states. Gulf
Applying the ‘Bosnian model’ to Syria’s crisis Could the United States and Russia learn from the Dayton Agreement to reach a lasting peace deal in Syria? Jordan
Kirkuk’s oil to play big role in Kurdish independence The post-Islamic State era will be crucial for Kirkuk, as conflicts over the governorate's territory and oil will determine the future of relations between the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government. Iraq
Ankara's paranoia spikes as Qatar shunned The news that five Arab countries have cut ties with Qatar, its close regional ally, has rattled Turkey, which depends on its political, military and business ties with Qatar. United Arab Emirates
Ankara's governor decrees no protest singing after sundown Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s fascination with bans is increasing along with his desperation to remain in control. Turkey