Iran threatened by Russia-Saudi oil pact Oil dealings between Moscow and Riyadh raise suspicions in Tehran, but Iran may soon learn they have a silver lining. Saudi Arabia
IS targets truffle hunters across Sunni regions Many civilians and local security forces have been kidnapped or killed in recent weeks while looking for white truffles, mostly in desert and mountainous areas of Sunni-dominant provinces. Iraq
Hamas takes control of second Gaza Strip border crossing Palestinian Authority employees claim Hamas forced them to turn over supervision of the Kerem Shalom crossing in Gaza, but Hamas says the workers left because they didn't want to comply with security inspections Hamas imposed. Palestine
Israeli Arabs engaging in electoral campaign The merger of the Hadash and Ta’al parties reflects growing willingness within the Israeli Arab population to become a meaningful part of Israel’s society and electoral map. Palestine
Israeli diplomats cheer European debate on anti-Zionism On the backdrop of rising violence against Jews in Europe, Israeli envoys are relieved to hear Europeans argue about whether anti-Zionism is a form of anti-Semitism. Israel
Netanyahu rivals bet everything on Blue and White The brand-new alliance between Israel Resilience head Benny Gantz and Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid has shaken up Israeli politics just ahead of the April elections. Israel
Gazans reluctant to import from Egypt despite Hamas’ encouragement Although Hamas reduced fees imposed on goods entering the Gaza Strip, it seems local traders are hesitant to import from Egypt, which imposes high fees on traded products. Palestine
Could new Israeli party topple Netanyahu’s Likud? For the first time in years, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is confronted with polls that place his Likud party second and not first. Israel
Erdogan FC: A soccer dream deferred Turkish media recently reported the founding of a soccer team called the Presidency Sports Club, but in less than a day all traces of the team had vanished. It's not likely the end of the story. Turkey
Suez Canal tunnels expected to bring new life to Sinai Egypt is expected to complete the construction of four tunnels under the Suez Canal, which will boost economic growth in the marginalized Sinai Peninsula. Egypt
Abbas trying to build countermovement to the US Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas recently called on the African Union to supervise the upcoming legislative elections, while also calling for an international peace conference, which is seen as a move away from the US administration in sponsoring peace talks with Israel. Palestine
Iraq-Jordan trade deal opens new doors for regional trade A breakthrough trade agreement may signal new trend toward integration; Erdogan plays Syria card in Turkish elections; HTS undermines Turkish-backed groups in Idlib. Iraq
Trump introduced Qatari to donor pursuing nuclear power project, report says A Tennessee businessman says US President Donald Trump introduced him to a potential Qatari investor at his Mar-a-Lago resort in spring 2018. Saudi Arabia
Iraq’s two leading parliamentary movements amp up coordination The Fatah and Sairoon movements have stepped up their efforts to see that the Cabinet is completed and for the government to properly face the issues ahead. Iraq
Intel: How center-left coalition has thrown Netanyahu’s re-election in doubt Former Israeli army chief Benny Gantz and centrist leader Yair Lapid have upended Israel’s upcoming elections with their decision today to join forces against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
