Erdogan menaces Afrin as YPG digs in As Turkish troops head for Afrin, will Turkey commit to the next-level battle it will face there if the People's Protection Units stay and fight? By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
One ‘spark’ could reignite protests, warns Iran’s interior minister Iran’s interior minister discussed the findings of a report dissecting the reasons for the Iranian protests in December and January. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iranian mistrust of Russia surges as Syrian war winds down The Iranian media increasingly reflects fears and mistrust of Russian intentions in Syria. By Rohollah Faghihi
Is Greece Turkey’s new site of confrontation with the West? Turkey may escalate the tension with its NATO neighbor in a move to display its displeasure over NATO's — namely Washington's — stance on Syrian Kurdish groups. By Cengiz Candar
US risks irrelevance in Syria with reconstruction taboos The West’s warranted aversion to helping the Assad regime carries risks for the entire region. By Julian Pecquet
Gaza bypasses Rafah crossing to import goods Food and basic goods have reportedly been brought into Gaza via an unofficial crossing as the humanitarian situation in the besieged enclave worsens. By Moath al-Amoudi
Some 40 million Turks ruled by appointed, not elected, mayors Institutions, including private ones, whose officials were once elected are being taken over by government-appointed trustees in the president's ever-expanding arena of influence. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
Egypt seeks scientific innovation by lowering research costs Egypt's parliament is pushing through a law to exempt higher education and scientific research bodies from taxes and customs fees in a bid to incentivize research and promote innovation. By Menna A. Farouk
Culture Alert: March salutes women of all nationalities and sizes Many cultural activities in March focus on women, as artists and muses, in addition to the search for identity. Also of note is the first cooperation between the Louvre and the National Museum of Iran. By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir, reporting on culture
Netanyahu may be facing his last stand The fate of the Israeli coalition depends to a large extent on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Turkey poised to open a military front in Iraq Improved relations between Iraq and Turkey have raised the possibility of a joint offensive against Kurdish militants in northern Iraq. By Zulfikar Dogan
Kurds ask higher authority to end crisis with Baghdad Kurds are now seeking to pressure the Iraqi central government from the top of the Shiite religious pyramid, asking Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani to help solve the crisis between Baghdad and Erbil. By Mustafa Saadoun
Iraqi Kurdistan’s not so friendly skies opening again soon Baghdad to formally take charge of Kurdistan Region airports and borders; shift in Syria strategy by Moscow may follow Russian presidential election; Jordan’s king and Turkish president find common ground. By Week in Review
Saudi crown prince comes to Washington Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is coming to Washington to shore up support at a time when the situation at home and in the United States is more complicated than ever. By Bruce Riedel
Fermented drink warms chilly Istanbul streets Boza, a drink of fermented grains, has long thawed Turkish hands and hearts on cold winter nights. By Aylin Öney Tan
Iraqi budget drives another wedge between Baghdad, Kurds Baghdad's parliament cut Kurdistan's budget this week, adding fuel to the fire regarding their disputes. By Omar Sattar