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
Coexistence converges at film festival in Iraqi Kurdistan The films at the Duhok International Film Festival in Dahuk, Iraqi Kurdistan, show how conflict and trauma are hallmarks of collective memory in the region, from Tunisia to Palestine to Iraq. Culture & Society
Musicians bring art to streets to save picturesque hill in Amman A group of Jordanian artists is working to preserve the cultural heritage of Amman's beloved Jabal Luweibdeh area and protect it from overdevelopment. Jordan
Who's clowning around? Beirut school teaches misunderstood discipline The first street theater school in the Middle East opened in Lebanon to teach clowning, a discipline that has challenged conventional thinking, encouraged discussion and provided moments of joy to societies for thousands of years. Lebanon
Pentagon says it’s 'on time' with Syria safe zone despite questions The Pentagon said Monday it is "on time" or ahead of schedule in most areas of setting up a safe zone in Syria after initial patrols with Turkish troops over the weekend, despite lingering questions about the size and depth of the area. Syria
Netanyahu petrified by possible Trump-Rouhani meeting Ahead of the Sept. 17 elections, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is terrified that US President Donald Trump will crush his anti-Iran campaign by meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Iraq
How much are Israel's elections costing it? With only about 70% of Israelis bothering to vote, maybe it's time to reconsider election day being a national holiday and therefore a paid vacation day for workers. Israel
Israel helps Hamas regain control over Gaza, rogue groups The Israel Defense Forces try to retaliate against rocket fire at Israel while preserving the Hamas rule that is now defied by rogue groups. Palestine