Turkish Central Bank suffers big credibility loss The Turkish Central Bank’s obedience to the government, both in terms of monetary policy and interventions in the foreign exchange market, is badly damaging its credibility among foreign investors, the ultimate cost of which will be borne by the crisis-hit economy. Turkey
Eastern Syria fighters accused of brutality after videos emerge The commander of Ahrar al-Sharqiya, an armed faction whose fighters have been accused of extrajudicial killings, spoke to Al-Monitor about his militants' relationship to the eastern Deir ez-Zor region. Syria
Fourth Cabinet reshuffle raises questions about economic reforms in Jordan Jordan’s prime minister conducted a Cabinet reshuffle for the fourth time since ascending to power to advance economic reforms required by a loan deal with the International Monetary Fund. Jordan
Egypt boosts ties with Syria In response to Turkey’s Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria, the Egyptian parliament hosted Syrian Ambassador to Egypt Bassam Darwish in a move to show its official support for Syria against Turkey, and as a prelude to better diplomatic relations. Egypt
IDF says it had no choice but to kill Islamic Jihad senior The Israeli military operation to kill Islamic Jihad commander Bahaa Abu al-Atta was planned months in advance, after a series of rockets were fired toward Israel, including on Ashdod while Prime Minister Benjamin was delivering a speech there. Palestine
Is Iran trying to hijack Iraqi protesters’ demands? Political parties in Baghdad that are close to Iran may be trying to use Iraqis' ongoing protests as an excuse to change the parliamentary system to a presidential one — something the protesters have never asked for. Iraq
Israel’s Gaza policy: a recipe for escalation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is heading a caretaker government that shouldn’t last long, yet he authorized a complicated operation that generated a barrage of Gaza rockets. Palestine
Europe seeks diplomatic next steps on Iran Warning about the resumption of enrichment at Iran’s underground Fordow facility, Europeans look for a diplomatic path that could get the United States and Iran back to the table, and keep the deal alive through 2020 US elections. United States
Ancient Kurdish festival offers taste of enduring love, mysticism Mythology, mysticism and tributes to love dominate the Pir-Shalyar wedding festival in a rocky Kurdish village in western Iran. Iran
Democrats fight Trump stonewall over Lebanon military aid freeze Democratic leaders are pushing the White House for answers over its hold on $105 million in foreign military aid to Lebanon after the US administration refused to respond to questions about the decision from Congress. Originals
Iran debates end of confession broadcasts An outspoken Iranian lawmaker is pushing legislation that would abolish the state broadcaster's controversial tradition of airing forced confessions. Iran
Iran’s Rouhani shows spark of old self against hard-liners Now that the Iranian president is out from under the pressure of his brother’s corruption trial, he appears to be returning to the outspoken moderate-reformist views that got him reelected. Iran
Russia chides Turkey over Idlib — again Russia's foreign minister has demanded Turkey end tensions in Syria's Idlib, indicating Russia will continue to use Idlib as a pressure point to keep Ankara in line. Syria
Iran displeased by deal between Yemeni government, southern separatists Although Tehran has been one of the most outspoken critics of the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, it also doesn’t want a Riyadh-led resolution to the war. Saudi Arabia
Can Arab parties oust Netanyahu without empowering Liberman? Though its constituency's top priority is toppling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Joint List has not forgotten the vitriol expressed over the years by Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Liberman. Israel
Iran's Rouhani threatens to reveal economic corruption President Hassan Rouhani and Chief Justice Ebrahim Raisi clash over corruption cases. Iran
