Congressional fight against human shields stops at UN Despite bipartisan agreement on sanctioning Hamas and Hezbollah for their use of human shields, not all lawmakers are willing to take the battle to the UN. Palestine
Iraq offers to mediate between Trump, Iran Optimistic about its new government but concerned that brewing tensions between the United States and Iran could negatively impact Iraq, a senior Iraqi diplomat offered that Iraq could mediate between the nations. Iraq
Fate of missing Saudi journalist puts Turkey in ironic position As mystery remains over the fate of a missing dissident Saudi journalist, Ankara finds itself in a position in which it may try to rescue a foreign journalist at a time when more than 100 journalists are behind bars in Turkey. Saudi Arabia
Intel: What Iraq is doing to avoid being caught in tug of war between US and Iran The Iraqi embassy in Washington is working overtime to avoid getting caught up in the feud between the United States and Iran. Iraq
Diyarbakir book fair returns after 4-year hiatus Diyarbakir’s book fair, one of the main cultural events of the region, had been stopped due to security reasons in 2015. Now that it is back, thousands of residents from Diyarbakir and region came to pick up a book or two. Turkey
Consumer prices dropping in Iran as currency regains value Consumer prices are reportedly dropping in Iran after a period of untamed jumps rarely seen in the country's recent history. Iran
Assessing Bahraini-Syrian encounter in New York Bahrain Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa's meeting with his Syrian counterpart leaves observers questioning its position on the Syrian crisis. Saudi Arabia
How Iran’s quasi-state firms intensify currency crisis The clash between the Rouhani administration and Iranian petrochemical companies over foreign currency earnings is another chapter in the battle between the government and quasi-state actors. Iran
Turkish inflation spooks Erdogan loyalists Inflation has scaled new heights in Turkey, prompting grumbles from even pro-government media commentators. Turkey
How can Turkey survive US sanctions on Iran? At the United Nations, Turkey repeated its intention to ignore US sanctions. How the Erdogan administration will calculate costs and benefits of subverting the US sanctions remains a mystery. Turkey
Desperate Gazans protest against Hamas Desperate Gaza residents are so poor, hungry and desperate that they no longer fear demonstrating against powerful Hamas. Palestine
Netanyahu, defense minister battle discreetly over new IDF chief Facing the upcoming nomination of IDF’s next chief of staff, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might undermine Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman's prerogative and appoint a relatively young and inexperienced candidate. Israel
Egyptian MPs visit Ireland to boost economic ties An Egyptian delegation visited Ireland to boost economic relations between the two countries, while focusing on the exchange of expertise in the field of livestock. Egypt
Turkey steps up ties with Palestinian Authority Turkey and the Palestinian Authority have signed new agreements, indicating Ankara intends to broaden official dealings with the PA, but limit its financial assistance to the Gaza Strip to relief agencies. Palestine
Egypt broadens potential pool of adoptive, foster parents The Egyptian government has passed amendments to the Alternative Family system, facilitating adoption and fostering procedures. Egypt