Russia wary to take sides in Libya as Hifter offers lucrative deals The Libyan National Army led by Khalifa Hifter directly called on the Russian president to interfere into the Libyan conflict militarily to sway victory into Hifter's favor; Moscow, however, is more comfortable with balancing the warring parties by different branches of the Russian government. By Kirill Semenov
Saudi Arabia’s diplomacy has costs Saudi Arabia's diplomatic decisions since King Salman took over the rule of the kingdom in 2015 have caused much controversy, with the bombing of a school bus in Yemen and the row with Canada over a tweet as recent examples. By Bruce Riedel
Turkey’s time running out in Idlib Syrian Kurds could be a wild card in a possible showdown between Damascus and Ankara; Russia keeps the peace, for now, on the Israel-Syria border; Israel may have opened a new front of secret assassinations; the political economy of Iran’s protests. By Week in Review
Turkish lira plunges as Trump hits Ankara with increased tariffs US President Donald Trump's tweeted promise to double tariffs on steel and aluminum has pushed Turkey's currency into yet another tumble. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
The interest group economics wreaking havoc on Iran's currency Absent tackling such root issues as banking and financial sector reform, Iran’s political economy is likely to continue to shape government policy to the detriment of the economy and the society as a whole. By Bijan Khajehpour In Vienna, reporting on Iranian politics
Will Iraq comply with US-imposed Iran sanctions? Iraq is willing to abide by US sanctions against Iran, according to Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, yet pro-Iranian parties and militias slammed Abadi, calling for support for Iran against these sanctions. By Omar al-Jaffal
Does PA fear Israeli-Hamas truce? Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah told ambassadors of donor countries that any aid to the Gaza Strip must go through the Ramallah-based government rather than directly to Hamas, raising questions on whether or not there are fears in the West Bank that the PA may be left out of a potential truce agreement. By Rasha Abou Jalal In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Are Turkey’s Christians as 'fine' as they say? Amid a simmering crisis over a detained American pastor, Turkey’s non-Muslim minorities asserted they enjoy religious freedom in the country, but the declaration belies ongoing grievances and fears. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
Cairo breathes sigh of relief as Saudi oil exports resume through Bab el-Mandeb Saudi Energy Minister Khalid Falih announced that his country resumed oil exports via the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, amid Egyptian fears that a decrease in traffic in the popular shipping corridor could impact Suez Canal revenues. By David Awad
Syrian rebel groups help fighters earn high school diplomas The Levant Front, an affiliate of the Free Syrian Army, built an institute and is helping members whose educations were interrupted by the war start focusing on their futures by returning to school. By Khaled al-Khateb
Ankara plans road network to connect Syria with southern Turkey The Turkish government is working with local councils in Syria's Euphrates Shield area to build and improve a road network to connect the area's cities with southern Turkey. By Khaled al-Khateb
Hebron women turn to at-home businesses to boost self-sufficiency In light of Israeli restrictions on residents of the Old City of Hebron, local women have turned to small projects to strengthen their steadfastness and increase their independence. By Entsar Abu Jahal
Will new e-payment regulations boost Gaza's gig economy? The Palestine Monetary Authority introduced new regulations and licensing to secure and expand electronic payment services, a step that could allow more Gazans to receive remittances for work conducted online for foreign companies. By Moath al-Amoudi
Mainstream Turkish media turn blind eye to country’s worst currency crisis Although Turkey is suffering one of the worst currency crises in its history, no single mainstream Turkish media outlet has covered the development. By Cengiz Candar
UN reaches out to Ankara as Assad coils around Idlib The United Nations will reportedly ask Turkey to keep its borders open to millions more Syrian civilians fleeing an expected regime offensive on Idlib. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture