As Jerusalem meeting nears, Russia seeks ways to ease US-Iran tensions Russia is urging the United States to cease provocations of Iran and also is seeking to persuade Tehran to stay in the nuclear deal. Israel
Iraq considers appointing powerful clerics to high court Iraq's legislature is mulling over a bill that would change the makeup of the country's top court to include Islamic scholars, stirring controversy over how much influence they should have. Iraq
Erdogan lauds Brotherhood ally as Turkey mourns Morsi Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan openly questioned the circumstances of the former Egyptian president's death as Turkey observed nationwide funeral prayers today. Egypt
Erdogan faces consequences of his two biggest mistakes Erdogan's repeat strategic blunders may come to haunt him in the June 23 rerun of the Istanbul vote. Turkey
Is Iran’s Reformist-moderate coalition coming to an end? With Iran’s next parliamentary elections just eight months away, the moderates and Reformists are talking about ending their coalition, raising concerns that the hard-liners will return to power. Iran
Iran says not seeking war after announcing boost in uranium stockpile A day after announcing that its stockpile of low-enriched uranium will soon surpass limits under the nuclear deal — earning praise from across a divided domestic political spectrum — Iran says it is not seeking military confrontation with any nation. Iran
US lines up partners to protect oil tankers after Gulf attacks Gen. Paul Selva, the second-ranking US military officer, said today that the Donald Trump administration is asking for the help of Asian nations that import Gulf oil to help protect tankers from suspected Iranian attacks. United States
Will Morsi’s death change Muslim Brotherhood's situation in Egypt? The sudden death of jailed Muslim Brotherhood leader and former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi in court has raised questions about the future of the outlawed group and the conditions of prisons in Egypt. Egypt
Israeli-Russian vote decisive for next elections Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs at least one Knesset seat from the Israeli-Russian population to assemble a majority coalition after the September elections. Israel
Centuries on, Lebanese national liquor still makes eyes water Lebanon's beloved arak is similar to other anise-based drinks like Greek ouzo or Turkish raki, but it still enjoys a distinct and proud local tradition. Lebanon
Even as Sisi frees prisoners, opponents unite against him Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is releasing more opposition prisoners, bringing the number to 8,000 since he became president in 2014, but he hasn't appeased his rivals. Egypt
EU court advised to require labeling of settler products A European advocate general cited the example of apartheid South Africa in explaining why consumers have a right to know that a product was produced in an Israeli settlement. Palestine
Deir ez-Zor Arab fighters 'punished for refusal to join SDF' A lack of support for local Arab armed groups in the fight to retake the Arab province of Deir ez-Zor and alleged subsequent abuses by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces may prove a threat to stability in this key geographical area. Syria
Trumps eats up Netanyahu's cynical 'Trump Heights' ploy Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hopes that naming a Golan Heights settlement after President Donald Trump will flatter the American leader into recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over parts of the West Bank as well. Palestine
Loss, fragmentation on display at the Palestinian Museum "Intimate Terrains," the current exhibition at the Palestinian Museum, displays works by artists from different generations united in their sense of longing, loss and nostalgia. Palestine
Congress expands Pentagon aid in Syria to cover Islamic State prisoners The Senate’s new defense authorization bill gives the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces greater leeway to build prisons for Islamic State detainees. Syria
