Torrential rain leaves Syrian displaced homeless Syria’s internally displaced who found refuge in makeshift camps in Aleppo’s countryside have been badly affected by heavy rainfall with the start of winter, as they lost all their belongings and tents. Syria
Israeli factory to be established in Gaza, is this possible? Israel’s SodaStream announced it will open a manufacturing plant in the Gaza Strip, raising eyebrows since the company was forced to close a factory it previously operated in the West Bank under pressure from the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. Palestine
Why was the Palestinian Legislative Council dismantled? Palestinians are losing hope in their government and its institutions, especially after the Palestinian Constitutional Court issued a decision to dissolve the democratically elected Palestinian Legislative Council that represented all Palestinian parties. Palestine
Iraqi politicians call to expel US troops following Trump visit US President Donald Trump's surprise visit to Iraq was met with great offense and criticism with wide regional implications. Originals
Are Turkey, Syria squaring off in response to US decision? The US announcement that it will pull its troops out of Syria has sparked serious reactions, with Syria repositioning its forces around Manbij and opposition fighters weighing what the outcome could mean for them. Syria
Netanyahu's pro-settler allies force annexation into campaign agenda Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement that he aspires to maintain his current coalition after the April elections means that Israelis can expect to see ideas like annexation and a binational state increasingly normalized. Palestine
Memo from Israel: Game still on in Syria Israel's most recent airstrikes against positions in Syria was a declaration of intent, to signal to all parties that the game continues and the rules have not changed. Israel
Turkey sends top delegation to Russia to talk Syria Ankara is looking to negotiate with Moscow over its proposed intervention in northern Syria. Syria
Will US pullout from Syria increase risk of conflict with Russia? The announcement of the US pullout from Syria was received with caution in Moscow. Besides the security and political challenges it may bring about, the Trump decision could mean the end of a practical, relatively constructive US-Russian approach to conflict at flashpoints. Syria
Iran consumer prices remain stubbornly high despite rial recovery Despite the Iranian national currency's comeback, consumer prices have yet to see commensurate drops due to price rigidity and uncertainty over the country's economic future. Iran
After US-Taliban talks, Iran also confirms dialogue After years of accusations, Iran has confirmed that they have held talks with the Taliban. Saudi Arabia
Why Turkey's Kurdish strategy will remain ineffective While making moves to crush the Kurds’ de facto self-rule in northern Syria, Turkey has targeted also the Makhmour refugee camp in Iraq, which, ironically, holds a mirror to Ankara’s failed Kurdish policies over the years. Iraq
Will Iraq's prime minister fail to complete his Cabinet? Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has not been able to complete his Cabinet, despite the fact that more than two months have passed since he was appointed to the job. Iraq
Is this the downfall of Egyptian-brokered truce? The Egyptian-brokered cease-fire agreement between the Gaza Strip and Israel is now threatened by resistance attacks in the West Bank. Palestine
Historic Jerusalem district threatened by settler group The houses of several Palestinian families in East Jerusalem are threatened with destruction or expropriation by a powerful Israeli organization working to expand the settlements. Palestine
Israeli parties in search of ex-generals On the backdrop of security tensions on Israeli’s northern and southern fronts, all of the parties are looking for security-oriented stars. Israel
