Dog killings in Turkey's capital show poor lawmaking The recent killing of dogs in Ankara has once again shed light on Turkey's inefficient animal rights laws, which identify strays as "property" instead of "living beings." Turkey
Can US convince Turkey to undo 'done deal' with Russia? Although there are some signs of warming between the United States and Turkey over the situation in northeast Syria, many in Ankara feel it is too little, too late. Turkey
Syrian Kurds fear US sellout to Turkey on ‘safe zone’ Zarif meets Assad and Erdogan; is Erdogan banking on Trump to avoid S-400 sanctions? Syria
Why Turkey’s reliance on Trump for S-400 sanctions waiver appears misguided Turkey is counting on President Donald Trump to waive US sanctions if Turkey takes delivery of the Russian air defense system. But any possible leniency would face significant obstacles in Congress. Turkey
How unemployment helped drive Algeria protests In addition to charges of nepotism and corruption among the ruling class, bleak employment prospects — particularly for youth — drove many Algerians to the streets. Algeria
Iran moves to facilitate Turkey-Syria understanding ahead of Astana summit The Iranian foreign minister’s recent trips to Damascus and Ankara suggest that Tehran is stepping up its efforts to facilitate and accelerate the political process to end the Syrian crisis. Syria
Turkey's new Kurdish mayors denounce greed of predecessors As Turkey's newly elected mayors take office, imagery of the outgoing administrations' waste and opulence is fueling an uproar about the ruling party's excesses. Turkey
Russia and Arabs agree on US, spar over Iran The Moscow-hosted fifth ministerial meeting between Russia and the Arab League exposed some disagreements but helped bring Russia and the Arabs closer on other issues. Gulf
Iran sets up trade vehicle with Turkey as Saudi, UAE send flood aid Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said relations with Turkey are the best they’ve been in decades, while Rouhani struck a conciliatory tone amid Saudi and Emirati flood aid. Saudi Arabia
Conservatives in Iraq's Najaf want to legislate religiosity Following the recent arrest of a young cafe owner for allegedly insulting the late Imam Musa al-Kadhim, some Najaf residents are demanding a special law to "protect the sanctity" of the holy city. Iraq
Jordan-Syria ties stumble over fate of Jordanian detainees The Syrian regime's detention of Jordanian citizens reflects the reality that Jordanian-Syrian ties have a long way to go before normalization. Jordan
Poor services ignite protests in Suran and al-Bab Poor basic services in some parts of Aleppo countryside have ignited protests in which people are demanding that local councils resign. Syria
Aid groups act to stop Yemen's next major cholera epidemic Al-Monitor visits a cholera treatment center in Yemen, where a three-year war has intensified the spread of the contagious illness. Yemen
Muslim Brotherhood exiles from Egypt face uncertain future in Sudan Egyptians affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood who sought refuge in Sudan following the 2013 crackdown are worried about their fate now that President Omar al-Bashir has been ousted. Egypt
Egypt switches to digital payments The Egyptian government will start implementing a law soon, regulating non-cash payments and switching to electronic payments in some cases. Egypt
Israel says Hamas using imported goods to launder money An Israeli news report claims Hamas is funneling funds into the Palestinian territories by importing goods and reselling them for a profit. Palestine
