Turkish defense industry targeting South Asian markets Domestic demand for Turkey's defense products is reaching the saturation point, and Ankara has its eye on South Asia as the most lucrative potential market. Turkey
Iran: Hariri sought to mediate between Tehran, Riyadh Iran’s president strongly criticized Saudi Arabia over its reported role in the Lebanese prime minister’s resignation. Saudi Arabia
Iranian authorities scramble to deal with quake aftermath Al-Monitor travels to the towns of western Iran, where a 7.3 magnitude earthquake has left at least 452 dead and many more homeless. Iran
Putin-Trump statement on Syria contradicts Erdogan’s calculations A joint statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump that there is no military solution in Syria infuriated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Syria
Israel in no hurry to enter Saudi-Lebanese fray Israel is not at all interested in opening a front against Hezbollah just to please Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Will Islamic Jihad defy Hamas to attack Israel? Palestinian Islamic Jihad says it is planning to avenge the deaths of members killed in a tunnel destroyed by Israel. Palestine
Border crossings deepen Baghdad-Erbil conflict Baghdad insists on taking control of the Kurdistan Region's border crossings with Turkey and Iran, while authorities in Erbil refuse to hand them over to Baghdad. Iraq
Sisi's opponents prepare for tough run in Egypt's presidential election With an eye on Egypt's presidential elections in March 2018, opposition candidates are preparing to potentially run against President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and for any suppression they may face from the regime. Egypt
Syrian folk dancers stomp their way into Egyptian society Syrian refugees who formed a dabke troupe four years ago are increasingly popular at Egyptian weddings, birthdays and other celebrations. Egypt
Palestine to get its own central bank The Palestinian Monetary Authority has announced that it will open the Palestinian Central Bank after fulfilling all necessary requirements, but questions remain about if and when a national currency will be issued. Palestine
Armenian ceramics artist keeps ancient craft alive in Jerusalem The ancient art of ceramics and tile making lives on in Jerusalem, where the artistic tradition has become part of the treasured local heritage. Palestine
Iran, Turkey divide Saudi-led bloc Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi is opposed to plans by the other members of the Anti-Terror Quartet to confront Iran and Hezbollah in the Levant, to maintain Lebanon's relatively stable position. Saudi Arabia
Congress moves bill jeopardizing Iran nuclear deal New legislation could violate the JCPOA by impeding aircraft sales to Iran. United States
Have Russia, Turkey reached Syrian simpatico yet? Russia and Turkey have attained an "unprecedented" level of cooperation in many areas, some observers say, though the Kurds in Syria may remain a sticking point. Turkey
Egypt hopes ban on street ads can give cities face-lift While the government argues that a new ban on street advertisements will beautify cities, critics fear a negative economic impact. Egypt
Erdogan's claim on Ataturk legacy is bizarre political reach Despite his policies in polar opposition to those of founder of modern Turkey Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has touted him as a brother whose memory is only served by his own ruling party. Turkey
