GCC states boxed in by US sanctions on Syria The United States creates dilemmas for GCC in Syria; Qatar steps up with $500 million Lebanon investment; Netanyahu seeks Arab photo-op in Poland. Gulf
Storming of base in Iraq a grave signal for Turkey A violent protest by locals at a Turkish military base in Iraqi Kurdistan heralds a challenging turning point for Turkey’s cross-border drive to combat Kurdish militants. Iraq
Race for reconstruction heats up as Syrian war winds down As the conflict in Syria winds down and reconstruction begins, Iran is racing alongside other friends and rivals for a role in the future Syrian economy. Syria
Turkish menus celebrate cherished regional soups In Turkey, soup is more than a dish; it is the bearer of a vast culture. Turkey
Middle class, entrepreneurs key to Egypt's economic recovery The Egyptian government is implementing programs to help curb poverty and meet the needs of low- and middle-income citizens, but analysts believe more should be done. Egypt
Israel kicks out international monitoring force in Hebron Palestinians are asking the UN to intercede in Israel's decision to end the mandate of a peacekeeping force in Hebron, a decision they fear will lead to increased settlement activity in the West Bank city. Palestine
Gaza war takes center stage in Israel's election campaign With former military chief of staff Benny Gantz soaring in pre-election polls, the conduct and results of Operation Protective Edge, the 2014 military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, is back on the public agenda. Palestine
