Has Russia begun to play a role in Iraq? Russia seeks a presence in Iraq similar to its presence in Syria but through Russian companies and economic, industrial and commercial agreements signed between the two countries. By Mustafa Saadoun
Turkey grapples with big trade deficit with China Amid Washington’s trade war on China, Ankara is also grumbling about a massive trade gap with Beijing, but a number of factors stand in Turkey's way to resolve the deficit. By Mehmet Cetingulec
Failed Yemeni talks shatter hopes of Yemenis' financial recovery Residents of Houthi-controlled Sanaa pinned their hopes on a recent meeting between Yemen’s warring sides to solve economic crises as the country’s Central Bank remains divided, but no solution was found and differences remain. By Naseh Shaker
Idlib offensive tests strength of Russia-Turkey ties in Syria Russia is tiring of Ankara's balancing act between Washington and Moscow, and Turkey's less-than-successful actions in Syria. By Metin Gurcan
Israeli legal experts join Druze against Nationality Law A group of Israeli legal experts have drafted an amendment to the Nationality Law to codify equality for all citizens. By Shlomi Eldar
Can doing nothing bring down Netanyahu? With the days allotted by law for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form a new government soon to expire, some of his potential partners have adopted a tactic that could mean his political end.. By Yossi Beilin
Activists fear security backlash following controversial Cabinet reshuffle Almost a week after King Abdullah appointed a new General Intelligence Department chief and asked him to deal effectively with anyone who tampers with constitutional foundations, Prime Minister Omar Razzaz reshuffled his Cabinet and appointed a conservative minister of interior, which could signal a return to tough handling of protesters and activists. By Osama Al Sharif
Gaza soda bottler opens West Bank site to deal with siege Pepsi Palestine, based in the Gaza Strip, has opened a new branch in the West Bank in light of the Gaza siege and Israeli restrictions, and some analysts fear such action could contribute to the collapse of the already-fragile economy in Gaza. By Adnan Abu Amer
UN demands release of UN expert from ‘illegal detention’ in Tunisia UN expert Moncef Kartas, who is being detained in Tunisia, was charged with treason and espionage and could face the death sentence if found guilty, prompting the UN to call for his release. By Elizia Volkmann
Why Netanyahu's so quiet on US-Iran conflict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is being cautious about engaging Israel in the US-Iran tensions, though he would surely not object to an American attack on Iran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Intel: How Jamal Khashoggi’s fiancee is keeping the pressure on Saudi Arabia Jamal Khashoggi’s fiancee is determined to keep his legacy alive and well — and that starts with making sure Washington holds Saudi Arabia accountable for killing him. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey's Saadet Party could sway Istanbul elections Turkey's fundamentalist Saadet Party will run its mayoral candidate in the June 23 repeat election in Istanbul, possibly tipping the results in favor of the opposition party. By Jasper Mortimer
Republicans rush to extinguish Iran war talk GOP lawmakers insist that Trump’s show of force is the best way to prevent an immediate Iranian attack, even as a long-term solution to tensions remains elusive. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Unmoved by government's overtures, Kurds continue hunger strike in Turkey Keen to draw the Kurds to its side ahead of a key election do-over, Ankara allowed jailed Kurdistan Workers Party leader Abdullah Ocalan to see his lawyers in early May, but thousands of inmates still refuse to end their hunger strike. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
If Rouhani’s Europe outreach fails, nuclear deal could collapse The Rouhani administration has pinned its hopes on Europe to save the nuclear deal, and the stakes couldn't be higher. By Rohollah Faghihi