Turkish-US Syria talks set to resume amid heightened tensions Turkish diplomats will meet in Washington tomorrow, hoping to build on what Ankara has said are US pledges to push Syrian Kurdish fighters out of Manbij in northern Syria. Syria
Iran's conservatives see Twitter as next battleground A prominent Iranian conservative compared being active on Twitter to being active on a battlefield. Iran
How Mohammed bin Salman unites usually divided Iranians The Saudi crown prince’s harsh words against the Islamic Republic seem to have a unifying effect among Iranians. Saudi Arabia
The EU’s plans to save Gaza European diplomats say that the European Union is now preparing a set of proposed moves to calm down tensions in the Gaza Strip and avoid a violent Palestinian outbreak at the end of President Mahmoud Abbas' era. Palestine
Should Palestinians keep boycotting Jerusalem elections? Palestinian politicians continue to pressure East Jerusalem residents to boycott the municipal elections, but voting data demonstrates an opportunity to swing political influence in the city. Palestine
Hamas says it's open to dialogue with US A senior Hamas leader has said the movement is willing to engage in talks with the United States, which some believe to be an attempt to replace the PLO. Palestine
Hamas pursues conflicting paths While preparing for the March of Return and conducting massive military exercises, Hamas is also sending conciliatory messages to Israel and the US. Palestine
Jordan, Turkey mending fences over trade agreement dispute During a time of shifting alliances, Ankara views Jordan as an important potential ally — which no doubt has been a factor in Turkey's decision to renegotiate a free trade pact that Amman says favors Turkey. Saudi Arabia
More real than the news: Turkey's satire magazine coats truth in humor Turkey's largest satirical website, which has 5.4 million followers on Twitter, maintains its tongue-in-cheek criticism against all odds. Turkey
Lebanon plans to overhaul its public transportation sector The World Bank has approved a $295 million financing package to reform public transportation in Beirut. Lebanon
Deciphering Russia's delivery of Tell Rifaat to Turkey Now that Russia has reportedly handed over the area around Tell Rifaat to Turkey, all eyes are on Turkey’s performance in the expanded area controlled by its allied Free Syrian Army forces west of the Euphrates. Syria
Why economic growth has not led to job creation in Iran Low capital formation and productivity are holding back the Iranian economy. Iran
Will Khamenei dismiss Iran’s judiciary chief? Reports are being circulated in Iranian media about the possible dismissal of Iran’s judiciary chief amid rising criticism of his performance. Iran
Police roam university campus in Istanbul after students criticized government Several Turkish university students remain in police custody for protesting Turkey’s military operations in northern Syria as the president leads a crackdown on academics who have dared to voice their opposition. Turkey
Egypt women fight for right to army combat posts Amid recurrent calls to allow Egyptian women to join the army, some Egyptian experts say this is an inherent right, while others deem such calls to be illogical and against Sharia. Egypt
Trump’s steel tariffs add to US-Turkish bickering Turkish manufacturers see “great injustice” in Washington’s new steel tariffs, as Ankara seeks compromise on the issue amid the tense political climate between the two countries. Turkey
