No talks about peace for Israel in its electoral agenda The center-left parties missed on an opportunity this week to restore the two-state solution to the election agenda as an antithesis to the right-wing vision of annexation. Israel
Will Russia reinforce Iraq's air defenses? Iraqi authorities are considering moves to reinforce the country's air defense systems with Russian help following alleged Israeli strikes. Iraq
Personal cost of journalism, political activism in Iran remains high Iran’s judiciary appears to be tightening the noose on media and political activists under its new chief justice in what some analysts believe is a byproduct of growing international pressure. Iran
Pompeo, Mnuchin say no preconditions for Iran meeting as Trump ousts Bolton After President Donald Trump announced that he had fired his national security adviser John Bolton over very strong policy disagreements, Trump’s top diplomat and treasury chief reiterated that Trump has no preconditions to meet with Iran. United States
Iran, Hamas seek benefits of mutual military support As the United States becomes more involved in the Middle East, its actions are driving Hamas and Tehran closer. Palestine
Tel Aviv's dismal voter turnout could play into Likud’s hands The Blue and White Party must now focus on persuading Tel Aviv's liberal residents to get out and vote. Israel
Senior Likud leaders stick with Netanyahu by hook or by crook All senior Likud leaders, including those who consider themselves candidates to succeed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are sticking with him. Israel
Pentagon fears Islamic State surge in Iraqi Kurdistan The Donald Trump administration is concerned that the Islamic State could take advantage of ongoing disputes between Iraq’s government and Kurdish authorities to gain refuge in the war-torn country. Iraq
Netanyahu gets little from Putin in Sochi meeting The meeting that took place on Thursday between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin produced no change in Moscow’s policy on Iran. Israel
Jordan Valley annexation — Netanyahu’s desperate last card Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he would annex the Jordan Valley after the elections. He hopes this announcement will sideline unpleasant issues for him, such as the police investigation or a possible Trump-Rouhani meeting. Palestine
Netanyahu fights best with his back against the wall Fortunately for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the multiple crises hitting both Israel and his campaign may light a fire under the right. Israel
Iran denies secret nuclear weapons site, says Netanyahu 'cries wolf' Tehran has denied the Israeli prime minister's claims about a purported nuclear site in central Iran, saying the allegation is part of a campaign to ignite a war against the Islamic Republic. Israel
More academics acquitted in Turkey, sparking cautious hope A Turkish court ruling has led to the acquittal of 27 academics convicted and on trial over terror charges, but the shaken defendants are hesitant to believe the decision will stand and be extended to hundreds of their purged colleagues. Turkey
Turkish drones in Libya are a strategic and family affair Drones manufactured by the company of the Turkish president’s son-in-law been prominently involved in what has become a proxy war between Turkey and the UAE in Libya. United Arab Emirates
Iraqi population census raises concerns of Kurds Kurds and Turkmens in Kirkuk are concerned that the Iraqi population census, set to be held in 2020, could be used for political ends. Iraq
