Palestinian Interior Ministry to regulate private security firms The Palestinian government is now regulating private security companies in the West Bank, seeking consistency among them and implementing basic requirements for them to receive licenses. Palestine
Why Iranians are lured by Georgian delights Iranians from different walks of life seek investment opportunities and residency in Georgia, thinking it would be a gateway to Europe — but is it that easy? Iran
Top general claims IDF not ready for war According to IDF Ombudsman Yitzhak Brick, the Israeli military has invested most of its resources in the air force while neglecting the land corps, leaving Israel vulnerable to Hezbollah. Israel
Why demolishing West Bank village will cost Israel dearly Europe is warning Israel that demolishing Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin-Palestinian village, will constitute a war crime and lead to demands for financial compensation for facilities there provided by its members. Palestine
Russia pushes for constitutional committee amid uncertainty over Idlib As a military campaign on Idlib looms uncertain, Russia, Turkey and Iran make progress on a constitutional committee in Geneva. Syria
Turkey's Central Bank defies Erdogan, hikes interest rates Despite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's vehement opposition to raising interest rates, the country's Central Bank took the move today that economists say is long overdue to address alarming inflation. Turkey
Erdogan makes himself ‘czar of the economy’ Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s decision to take the helm of Turkey’s sovereign wealth fund compounds misgivings over an institution that holds the country’s key public assets, but is already mired in controversy for lack of transparency and public supervision. Turkey
Iran missile strike opens door to escalation with Kurdish armed groups An Iranian missile attack on Iranian Kurdish fighters in Iraqi Kurdistan has raised the risk of intensified fighting in western Iran while heightening the chances of localized confrontations taking on an international dimension. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Ahmadinejad’s right-hand man sentenced to prison The sentencing of Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei may be the final blow to former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad regaining his spot in the limelight. Iran
Egypt intensifies diplomatic efforts to resume stalled talks over Ethiopia dam As Ethiopia admits to financial and administrative obstacles hindering the completion of the Renaissance Dam, Cairo is stepping up diplomatic efforts to complete the stalled negotiations to reduce the risk of the dam to Egypt's water security. Egypt
Ankara oddly quiet on China's alleged torture of Uighurs The Turkish public used to speak out loudly and often against suppressive Chinese policies against Uighur Turks, but now the media, the public and the government are keeping mum. Turkey
Kurds step up efforts to form self-government in northeast Syria The Syrian Democratic Council is forming an autonomous-area administration in parts of northern Syria controlled by US-backed Kurds and holding talks with the Syrian regime. Syria
Turkish-supported public services flourish in Euphrates Shield area The Turkish government has helped the local council in al-Bab to set up a plant to refill propane cylinders and Jarablus to build its first central bus station. Syria
Egypt tightens screws on Hamas with threat to close Rafah crossing Hamas wants to resume mass demonstrations along Israel's border to attract international attention to Gaza, but doing so threatens to unleash harsh Israeli and Egyptian reprisals. Palestine
More international artists join Israel boycott As Israeli politicians do their best to ignore international condemnation of the occupation, perhaps Israelis will hear the voices of artists like Lana Del Rey as the cultural boycott builds. Palestine
Sistani calls for nominating new faces for next prime minister As Haider al-Abadi's chances to serve a second term decline due to the bloody protests in Basra, Iraqi politicians are looking for a new face to head the new government. Iraq
