Russian foreign minister heads to Turkey to seal visa deal The Turkish and Russian foreign ministers will meet in Antalya Friday to discuss a range of topics as a controversial missile deal between Ankara and Moscow threatens to further deteriorate Turkey-US ties. Turkey
Iran’s seeming restraint on Golan Heights puts Arab rivals in tough spot Iran’s adoption of a low-profile position on Trump’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights appears to be a calculated move to maximize Iran's regional interests. Israel
Hamas violence may chill anti-Abbas alliance with PLO leftists Hamas’ crackdown on Gaza Strip protesters demanding a better life has troubled the party's relations with left-wing PLO factions — relations that have grown since the anti-occupation March of Return took off a year ago. Palestine
Golan residents unhappy, yet unsurprised by US decision Golan Heights residents were dismayed but not altogether shocked by the US president's sudden decision to recognize Israel's annexation of their homeland. Israel
Will Iraq close all inspectors general offices? Iraq's parliament has passed a resolution to close all inspectors general offices, a move some fear may open the door to widespread corruption in the country. Iraq
China eyes Lebanese port to launch investments in Syria, region As China looks to play an active role in the reconstruction of Syria, Tripoli, Lebanon’s second-largest port, is preparing for major investments. Lebanon
New crossing aims to restore Aleppo’s economic status Civilians and traders in northern Syria hope commercial activities will resume there now that the Abu al-Zandeen crossing is open, linking regime-controlled territory to Turkish-backed opposition areas for the first time. Syria
Israeli fashion industry prays for new finance minister Israeli fashion companies blame Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon for a collapse in the local industry, but the tax exemption accorded to online purchases from abroad is unlikely to be repealed. Israel
Netanyahu's bankrupt Gaza strategy The latest rocket attacks from Gaza and the regularity of air raid sirens in southern Israel prove that the Israeli government's strategy of blockading Gaza is a failure. Palestine
Turkey's endless election cycle With Turkey's imminent local elections, the opposition camp is split between hopeful optimists and cynical pessimists. Turkey
Who will decide new spiritual leader of Turkey's Armenians? Armenians are wondering how much interference they might encounter in electing a patriarch to replace the late Mesrob II Mutafyan. Turkey
Intel: How Trump administration is using loophole to transfer nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia
Putin, Aoun discuss Syrian refugee crisis, regional issues President Putin and President Aoun hold wide-ranging talks, including about the return of refugees to Syria, and Lebanon indicates that despite its issues with Washington, strong US-Lebanese government ties are going to continue. Lebanon
Nasrallah seeks to capitalize on US shift on Golan The Trump administration's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights has given the advantage in Lebanon to Hezbollah, whose opposition to the move puts it in line with public opinion. Lebanon
Border wall fight could jeopardize funding for US bases in the Middle East The fight over funding for President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall could impact key US bases in the Middle East. United Arab Emirates
Kurdish politicians urge protesters to spare own lives in Turkey Five people have reportedly died this month while protesting the imprisonment conditions of the jailed leader of the banned Kurdistan Workers Party. Turkey
