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
Palestinians pay giant homage to keffiyeh The keffiyeh has long been a symbol of Palestinian nationalism, and the largest keffiyeh in history is set to break a record next year. Palestine
Can Turkish psychedelic music go global? Meet the young trendsetters spreading the word about a rich and original period of Turkish music: Turkish rock from the 1960s and 1970s. Turkey
Israeli bill to end civil administration part of annexation scheme A proposed bill would close the Israel's civil administration in a bid to advance the gradual annexation of the West Bank. Palestine
Why boycotting Israel won’t end the occupation The BDS movement proudly presents all of its "achievements" in the last year, yet all of these campaigns did little to advance the end of the conflict and the occupation. Palestine
US Syria envoy: Let's pull the plug on Russia-led talks US Syria envoy James Jeffrey would like incoming UN Syria envoy Geir Pederson to have a clear path for negotiating a solution for Syria. Syria
