Turkey tests waters for new offensive against YPG Turkey is itching to go on the offensive against Kurdish forces in areas east of the Euphrates River in northern Syria, but the US role in the area continues to act as a deterrence. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
US sanctions hit Iranian patients once again The US reimposition of sanctions is once again disrupting ordinary Iranians’ access to vital medicines and medical equipment. By Virginia Pietromarchi
What's behind Europe’s outreach to Erdogan? Europe’s acceptance of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as an interlocutor is driven by Turkey’s continuing strategic importance rather than any reflection on its president. By Semih Idiz
Drivers close Gaza border crossing to protest new fees The only commercial crossing into the Gaza Strip has been closed by truck drivers in protest of increased fees levied on crucial imports. By Ahmed el-Komi
Hamas, Palestinian factions back Iran against US sanctions Hamas and other Palestinian groups have reaffirmed their solidarity with Iran since the United States reimposed more sanctions on Tehran. By Adnan Abu Amer
Israel’s 'Loyalty in Culture' law spreads to other ministries The spirit of the "Loyalty in Culture" law starts seeping into other government ministries, defunding cultural programs that criticize the government’s occupation policy. By Shlomi Eldar
Israeli celebration of ties with Gulf states premature The visit of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Oman is Sultan Qaboos’ way of signaling to Israelis what peace could look like, should they end the occupation of the Palestinians. By Akiva Eldar
Off The Hookah with Phil and Cooper Episode #076: The Sound of Sanctions, Part II (feat. Barbara Slavin) Phil & Cooper
Midterms revamp Middle East policymaking in Congress Tuesday’s elections will re-order the committees in charge of foreign policy. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Erdogan plays big: A grand bargain in Syria with Trump and Putin? Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan plays a big gambit with American and Russian counterparts, but can he win? By Cengiz Candar
Turkey praises 'overdue' US bounties for PKK leaders Ankara is pleased with Washington's offer of high bounties for three top Kurdistan Workers Party leaders, but the move won't buy forgiveness for the US alliance with Syrian Kurds. By Jasper Mortimer
Iran says not pinning hopes on Dems winning midterms Despite Democrats winning the US midterm vote, Iran says it makes no difference who takes over Congress, citing decadeslong hostility by Democrats and Republicans alike. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran’s plan to sell oil on local energy exchange could boost economy Iran’s plan to develop an alternative channel to monetize its oil through a local energy exchange faces many obstacles but holds real potential of boosting domestic capacities. By Bijan Khajehpour In Vienna, reporting on Iranian politics
Lebanon's only carnivorous plant kept safe in private nature preserve Two decades ago, a restauranteur bought a chunk of unique land that he considered paradise — and now he's discovered just how special it is. By Jacob Boswall
Turkey's skyrocketing food prices show no sign of slowing Ill-advised policies over the decades have reduced Turkey to a net food importer despite its significant agricultural potential, fueling a dramatic increase in food prices that deals the hardest blows to the poorest citizens. By Mustafa Sonmez In Istanbul, reporting on economics