Netanyahu’s bravado endangers Israel Ahead of the April elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has broken away from Israel’s traditional policy of ambiguity on military operations in neighboring countries, but his credit-taking could endanger Israeli lives. By Akiva Eldar
Pentagon warns Middle East turning to China for drone needs The Pentagon’s in-house intelligence agency says that China is cornering the market on armed drone sales to the Middle East as the United States is stifled by export rules. By Jack Detsch
Turkey, US discuss Syria buffer zone as Manbij attack kills American troops Russia's foreign minister calls for Syrian control of areas after US withdrawal; IS suicide bomber kills 16 in Manbij; more worries expressed about election fairness in Turkey. By Jasper Mortimer
Intel: Manbij attack may strengthen Turkey’s hand against Syrian Kurds The suicide attack that killed several US service members and civilians in Manbij yesterday may strengthen Turkey’s hand against Syrian Kurdish groups that it sees as a threat. By Al-Monitor Staff
How US sanctions intensify rent-seeking in Iran’s pharma sector As US sanctions hit Iranian patients, it is becoming clear that the impact of the sanctions — including renewed opportunities for rent seeking — are also intensifying turf wars in the country’s pharmaceutical sector. By Bijan Khajehpour In Vienna, reporting on Iranian politics
Four years into Salman's reign, Saudi Arabia more unpredictable than ever Saudi Arabia seems to have taken a number of wrong turns since Salman took the throne four years ago; can he make the decisions to get the country back on track? By Bruce Riedel
Iranian TV says American-born anchor detained in US An American-born Iranian TV anchor working for Iran's state broadcaster says she has faced mistreatment after being detained upon arrival in the United States. By Al-Monitor Staff
Tunisians cautiously optimistic as truth commission delivers final report After five years of investigating cases of corruption and human rights abuses under former dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia’s Truth and Dignity Commission is concluding its mandate, though many say there is still much more to do. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Landmark church project stirs mixed sentiments in Turkey Turkey’s Syriac minority will soon start construction on their first new church in the country’s modern history, but not all Syriacs see a reason to celebrate. By Sibel Hurtas
Draft law to pull foreign troops out of Iraq inching toward parliament Shiite parliamentary blocs under the Fatah and Sairoon alliances are working on a draft law to expel US troops from the country and say they will use force if necessary. By Omar Sattar
Israel goes after Hamas in Sinai Recent reports suggest that Israel has been leading a campaign in the Sinai Peninsula to stop arms smuggling to the Gaza Strip. By Adnan Abu Amer
New IDF chief faces multiple challenges Israel’s new IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi faces multiple challenges on nearby fronts, further away and also vis-a-vis his boss, Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Netanyahu’s lackeys twist IDF history for political gain Senior Likud members Yoav Galant and Avi Dichter are assisting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's campaign to discredit former IDF chief and rising political star Benny Gantz by rewriting history and cynically blaming him for military failures. By Shlomi Eldar
Streaming revives Turkey’s TV industry Turkish production companies are creating original content for Turkey’s internet generation that is receptive to nationally produced TV series available for a fee online. By Kenan Behzat Sharpe
Is Russia warming up to the Houthis? Russia has recently raised its profile in the conflict in Yemen both by endorsing UN-led peace efforts and by re-engaging with the Houthis, with whom Moscow has a long and twisted relationship. By Samuel Ramani