Greece sees Turkish 'provocation' in Aegean crash Tempers are flaring between old foes Turkey and Greece after their patrol boats collided in a contested area of the Aegean Sea. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
International pressure on Israeli settlements renews push for US anti-boycott laws Pro-Israel advocates trying to fight boycotts of Israel's settlements face a new urgency as the UN turns its spotlight on the West Bank, but legal challenges to federal and state laws are creating significant hurdles. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Faction of Turkey's CHP urges 'extraordinary opposition' to stop Erdogan A group within Turkey’s main opposition party has launched a movement to better challenge the Justice and Development Party ahead of crucial elections in 2019. By Sibel Hurtas
Tempers flare over gas exploration in Mediterranean A power struggle over hydrocarbon reserves in the eastern Mediterranean Sea is becoming increasingly militarized, signaling the potential for a major crisis. By Metin Gurcan
Anger, despair reach new heights in West Bank The mob attack in the West Bank town of Jenin on two Israel Defense Forces soldiers should be considered as a warning sign for the possible outbreak of a new intifada. By Shlomi Eldar
Trump opposes Netanyahu on annexation plans The White House accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of lying, after he declared during a closed party meeting that he was discussing annexation plans with the American administration. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Bibi's fight has just begun Even after being recommended for indictment in two affairs, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is far from abandoning the battle. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Emerging Egyptian artist gives Orientalism new look Up-and-coming Egyptian artist Hossam Dirar has used old Orientalist paintings for his works in a new exhibition in Cairo. By Salwa Samir In Giza, reporting on politics
US expected to name former Cheney aide as Syria envoy The Trump administration is expected to name John Hannah the next US Syria envoy. By Laura Rozen
KRG delegation arrives in Afrin as Turkey offensive softens Kurdish split A delegation of Iraqi Kurds from rival political parties arrived in the Syrian Kurdish enclave of Afrin in a show of Kurdish solidarity. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Pentagon seeks to soothe Turkish fears over Syria border security request The Defense Department insists that its $300 million request to train and equip Syrian forces won’t be used to create a Kurdish-dominated “border guard” on Turkey’s doorstep. By Jack Detsch
Controversy in Iran over Rouhani’s call for referendum Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's call to hold a popular referendum on disputed issues to break the political deadlock in the country has angered conservatives. By Al-Monitor Staff
How do Iran’s 'corrupt networks' operate? The fight against corruption in Iran will remain a key challenge until new ways are devised to address this challenge. By Bijan Khajehpour In Vienna, reporting on Iranian politics
The Turkish media’s Afrin test In Turkey’s Afrin operation, a glaring gap has emerged between the coverage of pro-government media and that of oppositional and foreign media. By Mahmut Bozarslan
What are real reasons behind Russian troop drawdown in Syria? Russia's strategy behind withdrawing its forces from Syria could include wanting to protect them from escalating danger while winning points with voters. By Maxim A. Suchkov
Animosity toward US uniting Turkey, Russia, Iran in Syria A loose alliance between Turkey, Russia and Iran in Syria is fraught with tensions driven by developments on the ground, but the three remain united in their desire not to provide advantage to the United States. By Semih Idiz