Russia sends its own signals on Libya by hosting Hifter Russia's military embraces Khalifa Hifter ahead of intra-Libyan talks in Palermo that kick off today, but does it signal a shift in Moscow's attitude toward the Libyan crisis? By Kirill Semenov
Putin pivots to Europe for next play on Syria Russian president intensifies diplomatic push; Erdogan goes "big" to leverage the Khashoggi murder with the Trump administration; Oman emerges as Israeli-Palestinian broker. By Week in Review
‘Israelization’ of ultra-Orthodox affects municipal elections The integration of the ultra-Orthodox community into Israeli society at large and internal divisions within the ultra-Orthodox world have caused many ultra-Orthodox Jews to vote for candidates in the municipal elections, who are not themselves ultra-Orthodox. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
Intel: Why the US thinks designating Houthis as terrorists could help peace in Yemen By Al-Monitor Staff
Iranians and the nuclear deal President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal is not merely undermining his moderate Iranian counterpart but also the longer-term prospect of US engagement with Iran. By Hooman Majd
Yemen's free-falling economy worsens famine The UN is increasing its calls for support of the deteriorating economy in Yemen, where three-fourths of the population is struggling just to survive. By Mohammed Yahya Gahlan
Israel’s unhealthy mix of sports and politics Israeli politicians love to be seen alongside successful athletes and frequently use athletic success for patriotic-nationalist purposes. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
As protests continue, residents of Iraq's Basra call for autonomy Basra residents, who have been protesting to demand services and jobs, are disappointed with the new government for not appointing any minister from Basra and call for the establishment of a Basra federal region. By Hamdi Malik
Israel pins hopes on American sanctions against Iran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman pin their hopes on the American sanctions against Iran to destabilize the Tehran regime and force it to renegotiate the nuclear agreement. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Turkey’s oil-and-gas drilling ship sails into eastern Mediterranean Turkey announced the launch of an oil-and-gas drilling ship in the eastern Mediterranean amid tensions with several regional countries, including Egypt and Cyprus, over the energy wealth there. By Ahmed Aleem
Will Iraqis get green light to enter restricted Green Zone? Iraq's new prime minister wants to lift at least some limits on entering Baghdad's Green Zone, but he is likely to face strong opposition from politicians and foreign diplomats there. By Mustafa Saadoun
The gatekeeper of Israeli democracy and rule of law Deputy Attorney General Dina Zilber has drawn fire from Justice Minister Ayelet Shaket and the right by daring to criticize the government’s ‘loyalty in culture’ law and in the process publicly defending Israel's legal system against further weakening. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
UN pushes back Yemen peace talks With UN talks on Yemen delayed amid escalating fighting, veteran diplomats say Pompeo should work with the UK to revive the Friends of Yemen and give UN efforts to end the conflict more sustained, high-level attention. By Laura Rozen
Pentagon braces for leaner Mideast war budget after Democrats win House The Defense Department is preparing for another era of lean budgets after Democrats took control of the House in Tuesday’s elections. By Jack Detsch
Russia braces for new diplomatic push on Syria Russia's frenzy of diplomatic and military activity around Syria in recent days suggests Moscow is pushing its own initiatives before a new UN envoy on Syria takes the reins and before Democrats take control of the House in the United States. By Maxim A. Suchkov
Turkey's Finance Ministry, Moody's have opposite views on economy's direction Moody's sees the Turkish economy as likely in recession, while Erdogan's son-in-law says positive results are on their way. By Jasper Mortimer