The coming battle for Idlib Syrian regime forces are deploying near and around Idlib province, in northwestern Syria, suggesting that the battle for Idlib is shaping up despite diplomatic gesturing and a statement by Russia denying an imminent operation. Syria
Will Riyadh-Tehran rivalry kill Iraqi Kurdistan's investment drive? A visit to Erbil by a Saudi trade delegation in late July has the potential to bear fruit in advancing economic cooperation and investment in the region, helping ease its current financial crisis, but the Saudis' move has raised eyebrows in Tehran. Saudi Arabia
As protests rock southern Iraq, Basra calls for autonomy Amid the ongoing protests in Iraq's southern province of Basra, an old demand for autonomy has re-emerged. Iraq
Trump makes good on threat to sanction Turkey The US president is sanctioning two top officials in hopes of pressuring Ankara to release a US pastor, with uncertain results. Turkey
Erdogan vows to hunt down PKK as Turkey buries slain mother, baby News of the killing of a young mother and infant son has sparked nationwide outrage in Turkey, and its president has renewed promises to eliminate Kurdish separatists and their enablers. Turkey
New generation of hard-liners move to seize control of Iran's state broadcaster A younger generation of hard-liners in Iran are increasingly maneuvering to secure institutional instruments of power and are targeting the state broadcaster. Iran
Iranian artists show solidarity as nation grapples with economic woes As ordinary Iranians feel the pinch of their country’s economic crisis, a popular singer is planning free concerts to ease the pressure. Iran
Will Russia, Iran dash Turkey's hopes of becoming energy corridor? The recently signed Caspian protocol between the Caspian littoral states means that Iran and Russia can thwart Turkey’s hopes of transporting Turkmen gas and Kazakh oil via Turkey to Europe. Turkey
Russia, Turkey seek peaceful solutions to 'imminent' Idlib battle Moscow and Ankara are actively working through back channels to ensure a smooth settlement in Syria's Idlib, amid ongoing rumors of an imminent fight between opposition groups and Syrian regime forces. Syria
Dismissal of electricity minister fails to quell protests in Iraq After a month of protests in Iraq over the lack of electricity and other public services, the Iraqi prime minister dismissed the minister of electricity, without any clear vision for a solution to the crisis. Saudi Arabia
Will public opposition stop proposed Egypt-Israel railway dead in its tracks? Egyptian media outlets are making a fuss about a recent meeting between Israel's ambassador to Cairo, David Govrin, and the director of the Ibn Khaldun Center for Development Studies, Saad Eddin Ibrahim, discussing a railway between Egypt and Israel. Saudi Arabia
Druze anger rising over Israel’s Nationality Law Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not foresee the degree of anger the Nationality Law would generate among the Druze, with protests spreading quickly, including to the military. Israel
Palestinian's interview on Israeli program sparks backlash The appearance of a Hamas-affiliated political analyst on Israeli i24News channel unleashed charges of "media normalization" with Israel. Palestine
Israel rolls out election campaigns, scenting early vote Tensions and disputes are tearing apart both the ruling coalition and the opposition, a sure sign that the Israeli political system expects early elections. Israel
