Despite Egypt's wheat self-sufficiency plan, imports increase Egypt is importing unprecedented quantities of wheat, despite a recent expansion in cultivated lands and wheat cultivation, raising doubts about the feasibility of the government's plans to achieve wheat self-sufficiency. Egypt
Trump keeps world guessing on Iran deal’s future Even as Iran hawks complain they are shut out from the White House, proponents of the nuclear deal are not confident they will prevail with the president. Russia
US targets Islamic State fighters leaving Lebanon after cease-fire US airstrikes blocked the militants’ route to the Syrian war zone of Deir ez-Zor near the border with Iraq. Lebanon
Why did Turkey expel Iraqi Kurdish leader? Turkey abruptly shut down the office of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), which had been in Ankara since the 1990s, following the PKK's reported abduction of Turkish intelligence agents in an area under PUK control. Originals
Iran’s role in Qatar’s new foreign policy Rather than forcing Qatar to sever ties with Tehran, the Saudi-led boycott on Qatar has instead pushed the emirate closer to Iran. Saudi Arabia
Erdogan foes may exploit his weak spot: Istanbul Turkey's president already seems worried about the 2019 elections, recognizing the possibility that as Istanbul goes, so goes the country. Turkey
Turkish silence speaks volumes as PKK points to spy ring A pro-Kurdistan Workers Party news agency has reported that two Turkish nationals arrested in Iraqi Kurdistan had reported to Turkish intelligence and planned to abduct or assassinate senior PKK figures. Turkey
Iran-Israel soccer row apparently much ado about nothing The reported suspension of two Iranian soccer players from the national team for having competed against Israelis appears to have vanished into thin air. Palestine
Rouhani: Trump lacks means to pressure Iran Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the United States is no longer able to isolate and pressure Iran. Saudi Arabia
Iraqi religious minority struggles to survive in hostile environment Members of Iraq's dwindling Mandaean community are facing many difficulties in practicing their religion as the government has failed to protect them. Iraq
F-35 offers Israel 'entire Middle East' from the cockpit The acquisition of F-35 stealth jets guarantees Israel unprecedented aerial superiority. Israel
Afghan kite runners revive old tradition in new home The 116,000 Afghans seeking asylum in Turkey are often overlooked, but a kite project aims to lift their spirits. Syria
Knesset members return to Temple Mount After a two-year ban, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allowed Knesset members to return to the Temple Mount in a trial run of a new policy. Palestine
UAE, Egypt approve more aid for Gaza, Hamas It looks like support is on the way for destitute Gaza via the UAE and Egypt. United Arab Emirates
Cairo seeks to boost trade with Ankara, overlooking political deadlock Tarek Kabil, Egypt’s minister of trade and industry, said it is not in Egypt’s interest to hinder trade activities with Turkey. Egypt
Egypt revamps cave museum devoted to Nazi general Egypt's Antiquities Ministry has renovated and reopened a museum in a cave used by Erwin Rommel, the Nazi general known as the "Desert Fox," during his campaign against the British in 1942. Egypt
