Turkish woman jailed for insulting Ataturk Conservative supporters of Turkey's authoritarian president have been uncharacteristically quiet on the arrest of a young woman for insulting Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, whose legacy the ruling party has lately been trying to appropriate. Turkey
More fire and fury: Trump, Pompeo offer mixed messages on Iran Iranian Americans are unsure whether the Donald Trump administration intends to press for regime change in Iran or pursue eventual diplomatic outreach. United States
Rouhani, Trump in a war of words A war of words erupted between the Iranian and American presidents, signaling an increase in tensions and unleashing recriminations. United States
Turkey poised to replace emergency law with doppelganger Call it what you will, Turkey's restrictive new "anti-terror package" looks suspiciously like the state of emergency the president imposed for the past two years. Turkey
How Syrian war settlement could impact US decision on Golan Heights Will the United States recognize Israeli sovereignty in the Golan after the war in Syria? Israel
Israel, Hamas trapped over prisoner exchange Israel won't compromise on the return of the bodies of IDF soldiers, and Hamas Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar won’t compromise on a large-scale prisoner-exchange deal. Palestine
Hamas losing deterrence against IDF Hamas' decision to deploy snipers against Israeli soldiers after months of border protests and growing international attention highlights the internal divide in the movement and threatens to shatter previous achievements. Palestine
Russia key to reset of Jordanian-Syrian ties With fighting appearing to wind down in Syria, talk has begun of normalizing ties between Jordan and Syria, but the matter is not so straightforward for Amman. Jordan
Will Iran, Russia step up energy cooperation to blunt US sanctions? Amid rising US pressure, Tehran and Moscow might be on the cusp of a new era of economic cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. Russia
Palestinian plan to form local councils faces daunting odds Palestinian authorities approved creating a local council to provide basic services for the Bedouin village of Khan al-Ahmar, which lies in Area C under Israeli security and administrative control. Palestine
The art of the deal in Helsinki – the next chapter More than 11% of internally displaced people have returned to areas retaken by Syrian government forces this year. Syria
Advancing technology unearths 'lost city of ancient Israel' A military zone has long inhibited exploration of the ancient and massive site of Beit Lehi, but archaeologists are using technology to share its secrets with the world. Israel
Violence against women at center of debate on landmark bill in Iran A landmark bill to expand the legal definition of violence against women remains stalled amid objections from the Iranian judiciary. Iran
How Turkish exporters plan to avoid impact of US trade wars Turkish businesspeople have outlined an investment plan to duck US tariffs and increase sales to the world’s largest consumer market. Turkey
Moscow steadily promoting its 'Helsinki agenda' in Syria Following the Helsinki summit, Russia is working to deliver what each party is expecting from it: security to Israel, cooperation with Iran and engagement with the West. Syria
Iraq's Salahuddin province launches war on alcohol The ban on alcohol shops in Salahuddin, which was recently liberated from IS control, shows the growing influence of clerics and tribal leaders. Iraq
