Erdogan hints at progress on Syrian safe zone Confusion about a possible safe zone in northern Syria has not abated as Turkey's president continues to claim that progress is being made in cooperation with the United States. Syria
Turkish woman’s murder trial makes waves in public opinion When a female university student fell to her death from an office tower in May 2018, police were initially inclined to believe her male hosts' version of the story, but a trial has brought to light new evidence against the men. Turkey
Iran claims US sabotage of missile program used to its ‘benefit’ Iran has for the first time successfully launched a cruise missile from a submarine. United States
Palestinian women entrepreneurs compete for professional assistance The Ministry of National Economy in the West Bank recently launched a competition targeting women working in the food industry in order to encourage their efforts and support national products. Palestine
Syrian refugees in Turkey, burden or cheap labor? The influx of Syrian refugees into the labor market has become a big advantage for business owners in Turkey’s ongoing economic crisis, but their employment may fan social tensions as the country’s army of jobless grows. Syria
Young Iraqis re-encounter their Jewish compatriots After seven decades of alienation, Iraqi Jews use culture to build bridges with their non-Jewish countrymen and vice versa. Iraq
Outrage as Bibi's private jet budget soars The Israeli prime minister's cabinet has approved huge sums to supply him with a private jet, while security experts protest that the expense is grossly inflated and unjustified. Israel
Veganism wins hearts, minds in meat-loving Istanbul Vegan shops are springing up across Istanbul, and many curious Turks are learning to make revamp their traditional meat, egg and dairy-based dishes. Turkey
Netanyahu’s diplomacy: success or failure? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presents himself as a diplomatic magician, though he is accumulating failures on Syria, Iran and ties with Gulf states. Saudi Arabia
How this youth band from Gaza helps other musicians Gaza's Sol Band makes its voice heard in concerts and on the internet, but an album just needs to wait. Palestine
Cairo to set design standards for mosques Egypt's Ministry of Endowments plans to impose a single design style for new and even existing mosques being restored as part of the government's efforts to modernize Egyptian cities. Egypt
Saudi crown prince capitalizes on photo ops in Asia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's walk on the Great Wall of China, visits to Pakistan and India and the appointment of a Saudi princess as ambassador to Washington distract attention from the Khashoggi killing and the war in Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Pentagon tries to reassure Kurdish allies amid Syria pullout confusion With the Islamic State down to its last few miles in Syria, the Pentagon hopes to get the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces to assist with the American withdrawal. Syria
Cairo keeps itself front and center in Syria negotiations Egypt seems to be in demand as a negotiator between the Syrian regime and opposition forces, as the new UN envoy to Syria says he wants Cairo involved. Egypt
For Iran, the latest Sochi summit was not just about Syria Iran used the recent summit in Sochi with Russia and Turkey not merely to signal a willingness to expand its diplomatic role in Syria, but also to maneuver on other issues. Syria
