Iran steps up pressure on Iraqi Kurds to halt referendum Iran is stepping up pressure on Iraqi Kurdish political parties to refrain from holding their upcoming referendum on independence. Iraq
Iranian MPs face backlash over selfies with Mogherini Iran's parliamentarians are under fire for taking selfies with visiting EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini. Iran
Turks spooked by 90s-style disappearances The dark days of Turkey in the 1990s could be creeping back as at least four men have gone missing under similar suspicious circumstances in Ankara since March. Turkey
Turkey's tough stance on Uighurs has implications for Syria The Turkish foreign minister promised China to put an end to anti-China activities in Turkey and in the region, which means terminating support to Uighur militants. Turkey
Netanyahu's money man set to tell all Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s former Chief of Staff Ari Harow has many secrets to tell about Netanyahu’s relations with rich businesspeople. Israel
How Abbas' spite for Dahlan could reconcile Fatah, Hamas At a meeting in Ramallah, Hamas offered Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas seats on Gaza’s Supreme Civil Council, and Abbas just might accept. Palestine
Rebel groups weigh options in Syria's east Armed opposition groups from Syria's eastern province of Deir ez-Zor are working on how to retake their city from the Islamic State before the Syrian regime does without having to ally with Kurdish forces. Syria
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham plots its next move in northern Syria Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is consolidating its influence in northern Syria, mainly in Idlib, and trying to position itself as a de facto interlocutor in political agreements reshaping the country. Syria
Despite cease-fire, shelling continues in Eastern Ghouta Civilians in Syria's Eastern Ghouta hoped for a full implementation of the cease-fire and access to humanitarian aid, but regime forces have continued missile strikes under the pretext that extremist groups remain. Syria
Iraqi Kurdistan’s risky independence referendum Iraqi Kurdistan President Massoud Barzani may seek leverage from Sunni Arabs to balance opposition from Baghdad, Tehran and Ankara. Iraq
Rouhani uses inauguration to send message of moderation Endorsed by Iran's supreme leader and sworn in at the parliament, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani begins his second term with a message of moderation and continued focus on constructive engagement with the world. Iran
Saudi Arabia engages Iraq after a quarter century A resurgence of Saudi diplomacy with Iraq is aimed at keeping Iranian regional power in check. Saudi Arabia
Fate of Russian detainees in Turkey still unclear Turkish officials have yet to decide the future of three Russians — including a toddler — who were intercepted as they were allegedly traveling to Syria to join the Islamic State. Syria
Cash-strapped young Egyptians forgo popular wedding traditions As their cost of living gets higher, Egyptian couples are being forced to go without the traditional, more expensive wedding festivities. Egypt
KRG not concerned by Turkey's reactions to independence vote Although Kurdistan Regional Government officials are optimistic about the Turkish government's ultimate position on the independence referendum, the Turkish president's recent remarks say differently. Iraq
Why Erdogan fired Turkey’s top cleric The departure of Mehmet Gormez, who headed Turkey's Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), had many wondering if he was not loyal enough to the Turkish president. Turkey