Israel destroys Hezbollah's border tunnels but missile threat looms Israel has started uncovering and destroying Hezbollah's attack tunnels under the Lebanese border, but destroying the group's ambitious precision missile project will be much more difficult. Israel
Congress weighs rushing Israel anti-boycott bill by year’s end Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., wants to attach controversial anti-boycott legislation before the end of the year by attaching it to a must-pass spending bill. Palestine
Turkish appeals court upholds conviction of top Kurdish politician Two weeks after a European rights court calls for Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas' release from prison, a Turkish appeals court confirms his conviction. Turkey
Congress grills incoming Middle East commander on Yemen On the heels of a vote to end support to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, senators grilled President Trump’s choice to lead US troops in the Middle East about America’s role in the conflict. Saudi Arabia
Asia buoys Iran as US sanctions hit Iran is still selling considerable quantities of oil to China, Japan, India and South Korea thanks to US waivers and other mechanisms to circumvent sanctions. Iraq
Saudi Arabia's estrangement Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman got into the G-20 group photo, but his brand remains very toxic. Saudi Arabia
Iranians question French democracy as protests rage Iranians are keeping a close eye on the ongoing protests in France, lashing out at the government of President Emmanuel Macron for its heavy handed response. Iran
Why Turkey will protect trade with Iran from US sanctions The warming of ties between Iran and Turkey in recent years, coupled with the changing regional landscape, is likely to keep bilateral trade largely impervious to US sanctions. Turkey
Russia, Turkey seek to break deadlock in Syria over Idlib Russia and Turkey say they will stick to their agreements on Idlib, but recent military developments in the area expose the challenges the countries may encounter in fulfilling their respective commitments. Syria
Israel tests waters for truce talks with return of Gaza fishing boats Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip have recovered the boats that Israel had confiscated years earlier — but is this development political rather than judicial? Palestine
Businesspeople intervene in bitter ties between Turkey and Iraqi Kurdistan Turkish businesspeople have launched a campaign to restore ties between Turkey and the Kurdistan Regional Government, which were hit hard last year after Kurdistan's independence referendum. Iraq
Turkish doctors say hospital violence out of control Turkey's health care workers have long asked for government action to curb the verbal and physical assaults they too often face at work, but the government’s latest bill does little to help them. Turkey
Jordan, Syria make headway in resuming normal ties The Syrian and Jordanian governments appear to be moving forward with normalizing relations, with the resumption of official visits and talk of cooperation. Jordan
Baghdad policewomen's roles expand as they rise in ranks As more women join Iraqi police forces and become more visible on the streets, they believe the public — and their colleagues — will become more accepting. Iraq
Likud party hostage in Netanyahu’s hands Even after the publication of police recommendations to indict him, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not consult with his party seniors, nor did he involve them in his intentions. Israel