Russia expands ties in Lebanon’s oil, gas sector Russia has gotten a huge head start on the United States in gaining access to Lebanon’s oil and gas sector, allowing Moscow to continue to strengthen its economic position across the Middle East. Israel
A political storm called Gantz Polls indicate that Blue and White leader Benny Gantz is getting closer and closer to toppling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the April 9 elections. Can he make it? Israel
Far-right candidate threatens parties across Israeli political spectrum Former militant right-wing ideologue Moshe Feiglin has reinvented himself and with support from both the right and the left, could hold the key to Israel's upcoming coalition negotiations. Israel
Pentagon nixes Turkish offer to address S-400 fears The Pentagon will not consider a Turkish proposal to create a bilateral working group to temper US fears over Ankara’s looming acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system. Turkey
Istanbul mayoral front-runner retains lead during recount Ekrem Imamoglu, the opposition candidate for mayor, says it’s impossible for his opponent to overtake him, but supporters of the ruling party’s Binali Yildirim say their man will win if the recount is expanded. Turkey
Congress stares down Trump on Yemen war After five votes, Congress has finally passed a bill ending US support for the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, but it faces a likely veto from President Donald Trump. Saudi Arabia
The economic balance sheet of Turkey’s local elections The ruling party's loss of major economic centers in local elections deprives it of major resources amid a bruising economic crisis. Turkey
Gays in Tunisia still suffer under archaic laws A new report on Tunisia's sodomy law highlights how members of the LGBTQ community who turn to police for protection can instead be subjected to abuse and violence. Tunisia
The grand delusion: The Israeli right's quest for Arab votes After advocating and adoption of the Nationality Law and inciting against Arabs, Israeli right-wing parties are fervently wooing the Arab vote. Israel
Putin, Netanyahu break ground on deeper Russia-Israel engagement The Israeli prime minister and the Russian president seemed to be on the same page on Syria and committed to closer ties during talks in Moscow. Israel
Off The Hookah with Phil and Cooper Episode #094: Ready Mayor One (feat. Ayla Jean Yackley) Phil & Cooper
How this blockchain startup could help people transform traffic in Iran A private sector Iranian blockchain startup is offering a unique mix of decentralized facilities that could enable the general public to meaningfully tackle traffic congestion in Iran and beyond. Iran
Zarif: Iran never pinned hopes on Europe Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the Islamic Republic has not and will not pin its hopes on Europe to save the JCPOA and will focus instead on working with countries in the region. Iraq
Israeli-Arab party not ruling out joining future coalition Head of the Arab Hadash Party Ayman Odeh does not exclude entering a future coalition headed by Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, though he has a list of conditions. Israel
Iraq fears bevy of levees will mean parched years ahead Although the water level is high this year in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Turkey's imminent filling of the Ilisu Dam reservoir is raising concerns about Iraq's water flow next year and for years to come. Iraq