Israel to lift tight controls over Gaza reconstruction materials Now that the Palestinian Authority has assumed control of the Gaza Strip crossings, the next step is to make it easier for builders to get reconstruction materials across the border and to suspend the current system, which Gaza contractors say is disastrous. Palestine
Syrian refugees in Lebanon face eviction Eviction campaigns targeting Syrian refugees have ramped up in recent weeks across Lebanon’s municipalities while the Lebanese government turns a blind eye. Lebanon
Arab Knesset member ready for challenges of defense committee appointment Arab Knesset member Issawi Frej is preparing for his appointment to the Israeli Knesset's prestigious Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, expecting criticism and skepticism from both Jews and Arabs alike. Palestine
Israeli women chime in on #MeToo campaign The avalanche of sexual abuse scandals in the United States has empowered prominent Israeli women to come forward about their stories of sexual harassment and assault. Israel
Congress deepens US-Israel missile alliance Congress’ annual defense bill tops Trump budget request by $500 million amid rising Iranian threat. Israel
Turkey PM tries to reset relations with Washington Turkey Prime Minister Binali Yildirim met with Vice President Mike Pence on Nov. 9 on a visit to Washington meant to try to ease strained US-Turkish ties, but the obstacles to improved relations are difficult to overcome. Turkey
Pakistan army chief makes historic visit to Iran Pakistan's army chief paid a rare visit to Iran's civil and military leadership in a bid for military cooperation. Iran
Iran drawing closer to Azerbaijan Long marred by political tensions largely driven by Iranian suspicions of Azerbaijan’s ties with Israel, relations between Baku and Tehran are beginning to reach new heights. Iran
Erdogan to make diplomatic push to defuse Saudi-Iranian dispute Turkey's president is set to visit Russia, Kuwait and Qatar to seek a resolution of a crisis Turkey fears could engulf the region. Turkey
Gold trader case threatens economic fallout for Turkey The sanctions-busting case against Iranian-Turkish businessman Reza Zarrab in the United States has raised the specter of continuing tensions in US-Turkish bilateral ties, with serious implications for the Turkish economy. Turkey
Arab-Israelis fear new bill to increase security guards' powers A bill initiated by Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan aimed at enlarging security guards’ responsibilities has sparked fear among Israeli-Arab bus drivers of an increase in violence against them. Israel
Why Israelis support Netanyahu despite scandals Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is still polling well despite the increasing entanglement of himself and his close associates in potentially criminal scandals. Israel
Iran’s debt market emerges as key to economic future The Iranian debt market has emerged as a key venue — and battleground — for Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's administration to realize its economic aims. Iran
Shock suspension of Iranian hard-line daily over headline Kayhan, the mouthpiece of Iran’s hard-liners, has been suspended for two days after a headline suggesting that Yemen’s Houthi movement will attack Dubai. Saudi Arabia
Erdogan's mayor purge leaves almost half of Turkey without elected officials Following a series of expulsions and forced resignations by the Turkish government, tens of millions of Turkish citizens have seen their elected mayors removed from power only to be replaced with government-selected "custodians." Turkey
Turkish prime minister’s family caught up in Paradise Papers leak Popular Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim denies any wrongdoing after his close family members appeared in the Paradise Papers that list companies and individuals who shield their wealth in offshore tax havens. Turkey
