Tehran to tackle currency woes with new forex Iran plans to launch a new integrated foreign exchange market to tame hard-currency volatility, though that goal is far from assured. Originals
Top US general’s retirement marks turning point in Mideast operations Will Gen. Joseph Votel's retirement result in the end of US low-budget warfare in the region? Iraq
Intel: Why Turkey is intent on proceeding with Russian arms deal The first shipment of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system will arrive in Turkey “within one week or 10 days,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced yesterday. Turkey
Egyptian politicians arrested, accused of working with Muslim Brotherhood Egypt has arrested several politicians and journalists it accuses of funding Muslim Brotherhood-linked terror efforts. Egypt
Gulf states divided in approach to Iran-US escalation Not having faced a direct threat from Iran in the last few decades, the position of Oman, Kuwait and Qatar in the current tensions with Iran is that of peaceful negotations, rather than military intervention. Gulf
Iran exceeds enriched uranium limit set by nuclear deal Iranian sources have informed the media that Iran has exceeded a stockpile of 300 kilograms of 3.67% enriched uranium as a step toward reducing its commitments under the nuclear deal. United States
Libya's Hifter frees Turkish sailors Don't expect the release of six Turkish hostages to ease the tensions between Ankara and eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Hifter. Turkey
Turkey continues bombing Iraqi Kurdistan amid Iraq's strong objection Turkish fighter jets bombard Qandil Mountains inside Iraqi Kurdistan, leaving dozens of civilians killed and wounded. Iraq
Netanyahu's fanciful end run around the Palestinians Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants people to believe that normalization with the Arab world is possible through common opposition to Iran rather than resolution of the conflict with the Palestinians. Gulf
Russia, Turkey still defending own interests in Syria Fighting goes on in Idlib and Hama provinces between opposition forces and the Syrian regime, and recently Turkey and Russia seem more involved in the confrontations. Syria
There is no room left for Erdogan in Sudan turmoil Sudan’s international failures have provided Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan several opportunities, but now some of the moves are likely to generate significant costs for Turkey. Gulf
Baghdad cabbies struggle with change as Green Zone opens up Baghdad's taxi drivers face new challenges with the reopening of the Green Zone having to compete with ride share apps and helicopter and river transport services. Iraq
Baalbek: symbol of power or living city? The “Baalbek: Archives of an Eternity” exhibition collected an unprecedented number of objects from the ancient Lebanese city, exploring the interplay of power and people through the millennia. Lebanon
Celebrating Afcon: Exhibit highlights Egypt’s sports through ages An exhibition of Egypt's sports heritage in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo shows that sports was clearly for all in Egypt — from rulers to women. Egypt
How Israel, Hamas reached a truce Hamas leaders realized that Gaza residents won’t put up with Israeli punitive measures such as blocking fuel exports and limiting the fishing zone much longer. Palestine