Tinderbox: Israeli military attacks in Iraq could complicate US strategy in Middle East Washington may need to draw some red lines to protect its larger regional interests. Iraq
Is positive sentiment toward Israel on the rise in Iraq? After an Iraqi ambassador made seemingly friendly comments about Israel, Iraqi politicians have made it known that Iraq will not stand for normalization. Iraq
Why Iran's Reformists are disillusioned with one of their own The political maneuvering of Reformist leader Mohammad Reza Aref has already cost him a bid for the presidency two years before the race begins. Iran
Mediation rejected as Algeria’s protests march on Algeria’s army chief Lt. Gen. Ahmed Gaid Salah rejected conditions put forth by protesters for talks to end the political crisis; the conditions include the release of people arrested during the demonstrations and the removal of checkpoints erected around the capital, Algiers. Algeria
A questionable apology The sincerity of Ehud Barak's public apology to Israel's Arab community for 13 deaths at the hands of the police in 2000 has come under attack given its openly political nature. Palestine
Netanyahu prepares for elections, makes diplomatic push Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes that supporting US President Donald Trump’s "deal of the century" by granting Palestinians 715 construction permits could help him ahead of the elections and for the composition of a future government. Saudi Arabia
Egypt flips its wig over cost of imported cosmetics Economists say Egypt's trade balance needs to be reduced, and some see one way of doing this by reducing imports of cosmetics and wigs. Egypt
Netanyahu’s latest 'political bailout plan' For Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, all roads must lead to a fifth term, even if it means forming a national unity government with Blue and White. Israel
Netanyahu frets over divided right as electoral race takes shape Now that all the parties running in Israel's September elections are registered, lingering schisms among the right bode ill for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
Iranians unite to condemn sanctions on Zarif Iranian officials from opposing political sides have united in defense of the country’s foreign minister, the latest target of US sanctions. U.S.
Shiite military factions have long way to integrate into state forces Despite Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's decree about the Popular Mobilization Units, they have a long way to go to integrate into state forces. Iraq
US leniency on S-400 offers Turkey chance to repair economy The US president's reluctance to impose sanctions following Turkey’s purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system has created a window of opportunity for officials to restructure the nation’s ailing economy. Turkey
Is this a new era in Turkey's fight against PKK? Targeted killings of PKK Central Committee member Diyar Gharib Muhammed in Qandil on June 27 and Turkish intelligence agency-affiliated Turkish diplomat Osman Kose in Erbil on July 17 mark a major shift in the characteristics of the armed conflict between Turkey and the outlawed Kurdish militant group. Turkey
Why US sanctions won’t affect Hezbollah’s popular support US sanctions on the Lebanese Hezbollah group appear to have affected the party’s various wings financially, including the construction association known as Jihad al-Binaa, but popular support and projects are still going strong. Lebanon
Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum to promote regional energy cooperation The founding countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum have recently held a meeting in Cairo, and some experts say the forum is part of the "deal of the century." Palestine