The rise and fall of Israel's ultra-Orthodox party Under the renewed leadership of Aryeh Deri, the ultra-Orthodox Shas Party has abandoned its roots and is now facing its demise. Israel
Zarif, Putin meet to discuss nuclear deal, Syria Iran’s foreign minister traveled to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin. Russia
Turkey's Erdogan defends Rohingya to enhance image Big political ambitions lurk behind Erdogan’s vocal defense of suffering Muslims in Myanmar, as Ankara’s own human rights record casts doubt on his credibility. Turkey
Israel eats up more Palestinian land rights in Hebron Israel recently decided to form a municipality that would run the affairs of settlements in the Old City of Hebron, raising concerns about the expansion of settlements. Palestine
Turkey nominates Korean War story for Oscar "Ayla: The Daughter of War," the story of a Turkish soldier who saves a Korean orphan during the Korean War, is Turkey’s candidate for the Academy Awards' Best Foreign Language Film. Turkey
Europe urges Trump to keep Iran deal while exploring other pressure points European allies are urging the Trump administration to stick with the JCPOA even as they discuss other ways to address Iranian threats. United States
Congress rejects growing effort to replace 2001 war authorization The US Senate today took up the post-9/11 military mandate for the first time since its enactment 16 years ago. United States
Season of culture unites Jerusalem Jerusalem Season of Culture includes artistic installations across city rooftops and an all-night dance party that combines Jewish soul music with Arabic liturgy. Israel
Iran claims it foiled major IS plot ahead of holy month Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it has arrested an Islamic State member who was allegedly organizing 300 terrorists in the country for various attacks during the holy month of Muharram. Iran
Left without patron, Iran's Khomeini turns right The most prominent of the grandsons of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini — long an ally of the Reformists — is seemingly moving closer toward Iran’s conservative camp. Iran
200,000 Jewish Kurds headed for Iraqi Kurdistan, howls Turkish press The Turkish media is abuzz with the story of a secret agreement between the Kurdistan Regional Government and Israel to resettle Jewish Israelis of Kurdish origin in Iraqi Kurdistan after the independence referendum, and some quarters are taking the news as an indication of US support for Kurdish independence. Iraq
Erdogan trouble continues with US indictment The US indictment and issue of an arrest warrant for Turkey’s former economy minister has created more setbacks for Ankara, where many believe the ultimate target of the investigation is President Erdogan. Turkey
Why are Turks flocking to Greece? A combination of economic, social and political factors has led to a significant increase in the number of Turks vacationing in Greece. Turkey
Gaza's clothing makers look to weave their way back into Israeli markets For the first time in 10 years, a Palestinian sewing company in Gaza exports a shipment of clothes to the Israeli market. Palestine
Jordan opens crossing with Iraq, makes nice with Syria Jordan hopes that the reopening of its border crossing with Iraq is a step toward economic recovery, a goal also leading it to maintain a more moderate approach toward the Syrian government. Iraq
Netanyahu maintains battle against Iran deal ahead of UN meeting The Israeli leadership fears that with the US administration leaving Syria in Russian hands and its inaction toward North Korea, no one will stop Tehran from placing its forces near Israel’s borders. Israel
