Congress hammers Turkey with sanctions and Armenian genocide votes Still outraged by Turkey’s Syria incursion, Congress votes to sanction Turkey and recognize the Armenian genocide. Syria
Israel’s dilemma over its ‘war between wars’ Iran's transfer of its activity center from Syria to Lebanon and the American withdrawal from Syria have created for Israel a new, complex strategic challenge. Israel
Why is Russian military skeptical about US claim of Baghdadi's killing? The Russian military's incredulity about the US raid that killed Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has some basis in practical reasons that go beyond just "great power jealousy." Iraq
Will Hezbollah ride or face Lebanon’s uprising? Whatever the outcome of Lebanon's protests, one thing is certain: Hezbollah will have to change if it wants to weather the storm. Lebanon
Kurds use Syria incursion to chip away at Erdogan The Syrian Democratic Forces, after having contributed to the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as well as an IS spokesman, push for a greater US condemnation of Turkey's latest incursion into Syria. Syria
How Kim Kardashian became Armenia's most famous advocate The reality television star is informally lobbying for recognition of the Armenian genocide. Originals
Iran's hard-liners force controversial film off screen A controversial movie about an honor killing has been removed from Iranian theaters after pressure from infuriated hard-liners. Iran
Intel: What’s fueling Iraqi anger at the government Iraqi protesters have returned to the street in force over the past five days for the second time since early October. Iraq
Ankara grapples with security, repatriation in Syria as cease-fire deadline expires Security challenges loom for the new Turkish-administered safe zone in Syria as the deadline expires for the withdrawal of Kurdish forces. Syria
Iraqi Kurds spurn Turkish goods to back Syrian kinsmen Kurds in Iraq are boycotting products from Turkey to show support for their brethren in Syria who are under attack by Ankara. Iraq
Israel's Oscars pick explores mind of Rabin's assassin Nearly a quarter century after Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was felled by an assassin’s bullet, a new film exploring his killer’s motives is generating controversy, and garnering acclaim, in Israel. Israel
Sanders runs to left of J Street and 2020 opponents on aid to Israel Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., is calling for broad conditions on US military aid to Israel as many of his opponents come out in favor of more limited restrictions. Palestine
Turkey lobby goes to bat against Armenian genocide bill Ankara and its allies are warning that this week’s vote would "poison" the already strained bilateral relationship. Turkey
Turkey steps up campaign against SDF's Kobane Syrian Democratic Forces commander Mazlum Kobane helped the United States track down and kill Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, but Turkey claims he is of the same ilk. Syria
Netanyahu’s opposition within the Likud While Likud leaders don’t dispute Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc policy, a rebellious group within the party has launched a broad campaign against the alliance with the right-ultra-Orthodox parties. Israel
Decision on unity government in Gantz’s hands Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz is himself holding talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and he will be the one to decide whether to strike a deal with the Likud. Israel
