Former government spokesman tapped as KRG foreign relations head A diplomat loyal to the Barzani family has been chosen as head of the KRG's Department of Foreign Relations. Iraq
US envoy holds talks in Ankara as Turkey threatens to invade Syria James Jeffrey, the special representative on Syria, met with senior Turkish officials amid renewed threats Ankara could send forces to a region controlled by a US-allied militia. Syria
Why this political movement is turning its back on the Iraqi PM Ammar al-Hakim's National Wisdom Movement, which once supported Adel Abdul Mahdi for the premiership, has turned against the prime minister, organizing protests against his government. Iraq
Ankara still hopes Trump will go easy on sanctions over F-35 Despite Washington’s decision to remove Turkey from the F-35 program, Ankara is still counting on President Donald Trump to limit the move to a temporary suspension with room for compromise. Turkey
Iran says tanker crisis can be resolved diplomatically A spokesman for the Iranian administration said the tanker crisis between Iran and the United Kingdom could be solved through diplomacy. Iran
Algeria victory in Africa Cup fuels protest movement With Algerians continuing to protest the political elite, the state tried to win points by co-opting the national fervor over soccer, which is intrinsically linked to the Hirak movement, subsidizing travel to shuttle fans to see the national team play in the Confederation of African Football final in Cairo. Algeria
US troops return to Saudi Arabia after 16 years US troops are returning to Saudi Arabia for the first time in 16 years as tensions with Iran rise and the kingdom finds itself increasingly isolated in Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Iranians floored by sky-high housing costs A proposal by some Iranian parliament members designed to help renters could leave them locked out instead. Iran
Life is no bowl of cherries in Idlib's groves Constant shelling by regime forces has disrupted Idlib's centuries-old tradition of cultivating cherry groves. Syria
Will this mall put Beirut's fruit vendors out of business? A new mall for produce, scheduled to be opened next year, will test Beirut's attachment to traditional markets and street vendors. Lebanon
Jordanians polarized by effort to restrict firearms The Jordanian legislature is considering amendments to limit the possession of firearms to curtail the spread of illegal weapons and crime. Jordan
Kurds gain support, perhaps invitation to Syrian talks There appear to be serious attempts to include the Kurds in the negotiations aimed at resolving the Syrian crisis. Syria
Work in Israeli settlements means high risks, no safety net for Palestinian laborers Most of the 36,000 Palestinians who work in Israeli settlements across the West Bank lack basic benefits including personal protection equipment and have little to no recourse when the worst happens. Palestine
Sisi transfers control of northern Sinai port to army for security reasons Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a decision to transfer control of el-Arish port in northern Sinai to the armed forces, a move critics say tightens the army’s grip on the country’s institutions. Egypt
Israelis are Trump's biggest fans President Donald Trump faces growing criticism in the United States over his anti-immigrant approach, but in Israel he is considered a hero. Israel
How Russian business could shape Mideast's future security architecture Russia has been engaged in the Levantine oil and gas sectors for some time, but now Moscow could use that foothold to help build lasting security in the region. Iraq