Did Erdogan's men ask ex-president not to run? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his top brass have not denied reports that he sent his spokesman and the chief of general staff to talk former President Abdullah Gul out of running in the upcoming presidential race. Turkey
Turkey's university faculties unite against being divided Turkish academia is in upheaval following the government’s decision to split up 13 major universities to form new ones, while university departments say that the proposal is fueled by ulterior motives and that resources are already spread too thin. Turkey
Iran, Russia, Turkey close ranks on Syria coordination amid US pressure Moscow and its partners in Tehran and Ankara move to strengthen coordination on Syria as the Trump administration signals an intention to up the stakes. Syria
Supreme leader serves notice to Iran's enemies: Era of ‘hit and run’ is over Iranian sources deny that any of its fighters were killed in a missile strike against Syrian bases, while the supreme leader took the opportunity to strike out at the US presence in the region. United States
Palestinian news group growing internationally The Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation has big plans to expand in the Middle East and around the world to spread news about the Palestinian cause. Near East
Trump, Netanyahu stand firm against Europe on Iran deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is encouraged by more and more hints that President Donald Trump will nix the Iranian nuclear agreement. Israel
Billboards bashing social justice NGO dot Tel Aviv The far-right Im Tirzu group is behind a hate campaign targeting the US-based New Israel Fund. Israel
Why Jerusalem momentum could generate early elections in Israel With the start of the Knesset’s summer session and the ongoing investigations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the early election pendulum is gathering momentum. Israel
Will Russia provide the 'new Kissinger' for Iran-Israel diplomacy? Moscow works back channels between Tehran and Jerusalem; hard-line Saudi stance toward Iran adheres to Wahhabi line favored by conservative clerics. Saudi Arabia
Iraq’s 'Tree of Knowledge' draws visitors across faiths Visitors flock to visit Adam's Tree, which they believe was planted by the Prophet Abraham and is sacred, in southern Iraq. Iraq
Russia acting as buffer between Israel, Iran Moscow is being called on to deliver on its promised role as Mideast mediator. Israel
Palestinian female referee now wants to officiate on global field Yasmin Nayroukh, known for the fairness of her officiating in Palestine soccer games, has been working on her English and knowledge of international sports rules to become an internationally certified referee. Palestine
Egyptians worry Renaissance Dam poses risk for heritage sites along Nile A study by an Egyptian professor reports that Ethiopia’s new dam puts heritage sites at risk — and not only those in Egypt. Egypt
Iran’s currency tensions spur crypto ban Iran’s recent move to ban cryptocurrencies is not only far from clear in its scope, but also likely a mere temporary fix amid efforts to combat capital flight. Iran
Turkey’s lone 'she-wolf' leaves opposition fractured Turkey’s Good Party leader Meral Aksener has inspired hope among many that she could beat President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the June polls, but others fear she's standing in the way of a united opposition challenge. Turkey
Turkey still working to get Altay tanks rolling After 12 years, things are finally falling into place for Turkey's indigenous Altay tank, but it can't get far without an engine. Turkey
