Syrians catch breath as post-IS Dabiq takes shape With the help of its local council, aspects of a normal life are gradually returning to Syria’s Dabiq following the Islamic State's expulsion from the town in late 2016. Syria
Distrust, dehydration rampant amid final Mosul battles As the liberation of Mosul moves ahead after several months of very slow progress, the Iraqi forces face new challenges in very hot weather conditions. Iraq
UNESCO Hebron motion important to all faiths UNESCO's decision to classify the old city of Hebron as a world heritage site, despite Israeli protests, should be seen as a confirmation that the city's heritage is much bigger than disputes between Palestinians and Jews. Palestine
Turkey potential spoiler of US-Russian progress on Syria Turkey may find common ground with Damascus and Tehran in its concerns about Syrian Kurds; UNHCR notes trend of "spontaneous returns" in Syria; Turkey seizes property of ancient Christian community. Iraq
Saudi king shows no signs of slowing aggressive foreign policy Saudi Arabia has overextended itself militarily and economically and it would behoove it to return to a more traditional approach in its foreign policy. Saudi Arabia
Istanbul’s dog days First loved and then massacred during the days of the Ottoman Empire, stray dogs in modern Turkey still can't find much peace. Turkey
Egypt takes action against spread of jellyfish on its Mediterranean shores Nomad jellyfish have been invading Egypt's Mediterranean beaches, affecting tourism; blame is being cast on global warming, pollution and even the new Suez Canal. Egypt
Opposition leader's 'Justice March' will change Turkey's political landscape Millions around the globe hope Turkey's main opposition's "Justice March" will mark the beginning of a new societal movement. Turkey
Referendum on independent Kurdistan puts Iran at crossroads While Iran is the only country that has long enjoyed close ties with Iraqi Kurds, the upcoming referendum on independence for Iraqi Kurdistan puts it at a crossroads. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Defense budget to provide broader Iraq security support A Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act, set to be released next week, will provide greater leeway for support for Iraqi homeland security. Iraq
One year on, Turkey's coup attempt has impacted economy Turkey's state of emergency since last year's coup attempt has been instrumental in averting a serious economic crisis, while also marking a process of "wealth transfer" through the seizure of hundreds of private companies. Turkey
Fans mourn death of Turkey’s somber cartoonist Galip Tekin, who was found dead in his apartment in Istanbul July 6, was well-known for his fantasy and science fiction comics and dystopian comic novels that portrayed everyday events and characters in Turkey. Turkey
US drops Iraq from list of countries that recruit children for war Iraq has been dropped from the US list of countries accused of recruiting children for war, which is an achievement for Iraq on the road to keeping its society away from violence. Iraq
Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq at risk of fragmentation A number of prominent leaders of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq withdrew from the council that has put the political future of the party at risk. Iraq
Netanyahu maneuvers to please Trump and settlers Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hopes that the announcement of new housing units in Jerusalem Jewish neighborhoods beyond the Green Line won’t trigger President Donald Trump’s anger. Palestine
Mosul liberation will not be end of IS History has proven that militarily defeating extremist groups such as al-Qaeda does not mean the end of their ideology, and it seems the Islamic State will not stop at the Mosul liberation. Iraq
