SDF commander lays out conditions for reconciliation with Damascus In an exclusive interview, Mazlum Kobane warns of a “second great war” if Turkey intervenes militarily; State Department officials explain consequences of "undisciplined armed groups" in Iraq. Syria
Is the PKK lying low as elections approach in Turkey? Turkish officials credit ramped up security operations for a noticeable decline in activity by the Kurdistan Workers Party, but some suspect the organization is intentionally maintaining a low-profile in the lead up to local elections. Iraq
Ban on Hamas’ student bloc stirs angry reactions Fatah's student party, Shabiba, at An-Najah National University in Nablus announced banning the Islamic Bloc, Hamas' student wing, and closing its headquarters, which stirred fears of the Gaza tension spilling into the West Bank. Palestine
Pompeo in Jerusalem, bearing gifts for Netanyahu With Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the scheduled meeting in Washington with President Donald Trump, it seems the administration is doing all it can to support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the elections. Israel
Iraq’s religious leaders join hands to promote peaceful coexistence Leaders of various religious groupings in Iraq have been holding meetings in places such as Lalish, Karbala, and Baghdad to join hands for peace. Iraq
Will Iraq lose its benefits from Shatt al-Arab River to Iran? The recent renewal of an Iraqi-Iranian agreement on the Shatt al-Arab River stirred controversy among Iraqis, as many are concerned Iran will take over the border river. Iraq
Association helps Cairo's 'garbage people' make a clean living The residents of Manshiyat Naser, a slum area on the outskirts of Cairo, have been collecting garbage for decades but now, they learn to recycle it as well. Egypt
Palestinians manage to evict settlers in Hebron in rare win An Israeli court ordered the eviction of settlers from a house they occupied in the Old Town of Hebron, marking a significant and rare win for Palestinians and the committee defending their rights. Palestine
Desperate Israeli Labor yells Mizrahi discrimination Labor chief Avi Gabbay's claims that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discriminates against Jews of Mizrahi origin will only alienate Mizrahi Likud voters. Israel
Will Mankai Textile Industrial Park be a blessing for Egypt's textile sector? The construction of the largest Chinese textile city in Egypt is raising the concerns of local manufacturers and state-owned textile factories, which are already suffering huge losses. Egypt
Hamas’ two-front strategy Israeli security sources believe Hamas has been working to restore its operational infrastructure in the West Bank in anticipation of the day after its operations are curtailed in Gaza due to a possible arrangement with Israel to prevent the enclave's collapse. Palestine
Submarine scandal resurfaces to menace Netanyahu Two and a half weeks before the general elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has found himself entangled once again in the submarine scandal he'd thought had sunk forever. Israel
Republicans push to lock in Trump’s shift on Golan Heights After President Donald Trump announced his intention to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, Republicans are pushing a bill that would make it permanent US policy. Israel
How Trump's Golan decision will further frustrate Mideast peace process President Trump's tweet saying the United State should recognize Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights may help Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in April 9 elections, but may set back Trump's peace plan. Israel
Russia expects to maintain footprint in Algeria despite unrest In Moscow, the Algerian and Russian foreign ministers discussed the North African country's domestic political crisis, their mutual dislike for foreign intervention and the need to elevate bilateral ties. Algeria