Syrian Kurds OK US-led oil mission The commander of the Pentagon-backed Syrian Democratic Forces has signed off to help the Donald Trump administration protect the war-torn country’s oil fields, even amid an ongoing Turkish incursion the group has lobbied the United States to stop. Syria
The Takeaway: November 6, 2019 Incursion fallout special: Frustrated Assad willing to talk peace with Turkey; Kurds play the angles with Washington and Damascus; Erdogan’s war a winner at home; Trump’s “betrayal” of Kurds plays in US public opinion; Tulsi Gabbard calling out Congress on support for endless wars … Bonus: Lebanon’s artists align with protesters and more. Originals
Russia, Egypt look to boost military ties Russia and Egypt held military exercises as a token of Moscow's increased interest in expanding cooperation with Cairo. Egypt
Three options for Benny Gantz to compose a government As his deadline to form a government approaches, Blue and White party head Benny Gantz is left with three main options before returning the mandate to the president. Israel
Penalties loom as lawyer for Turkey's Halkbank delays US court proceedings Turkey’s state-owned Halkbank may face financial penalties and further political blowback after once again refusing to recognize criminal charges in a New York court this week. Turkey
'Eggupation' breeds revolutionary thinking in Beirut The reputation of the Egg, a cinema in downtown Beirut, has gone from an eyesore to an incubator for new thinking. Lebanon
Iran's hard-liners say fresh nuclear deal breaches don't go far enough In yet another step away from its nuclear deal commitments, Iran has resumed uranium enrichment at a contentious facility. But the move was too little to appease hard-liners at home. Iran
Turkey faces uphill battle to improve image after Syria operation The Turkish president is maintaining his hard line, which indicates that Ankara’s ties with the international community will remain strained. Syria
Latest Israel-Jordan crisis: One too many? After 25 years of a cold but stable peace, should Israel stop taking for granted its relations with Jordan and start to invest real effort and resources into it? Israel
Israel’s culture minister offers settlers own propaganda film fund The new initiative of Culture Minister Miri Regev for the establishment of three film funds hides her true purpose — to offer the settlers their own propaganda film fund. Israel
Why is Israel after Adnan Ghaith? Israel continues to target Adnan Ghaith, the Palestinian Authority’s representative in Jerusalem, for arrest and bans, claiming that his activities in East Jerusalem undermine Israeli authority over the city, while Palestinians see the Israeli actions as an attempt to eliminate the Palestinian presence there. Palestine
Egypt emphasizing education on fourth-generation warfare Egyptian authorities are raising awareness of the dangers and impact of fourth-generation warfare on national security, and the importance of teaching people not to believe everything they hear. Egypt
Palestinian elections look increasingly feasible The Palestinian president’s call for general elections appears to have gained traction in Palestine, but many obstacles remain. Palestine
US approves financial aid for White Helmets mission in Syria The United States is providing $4.5 million in aid to the Syria Civil Defense in opposition-held areas to support the group's role in helping victims and their families. Syria
Shiite protesters get broad backing throughout Iraq Though the majority of Iraqis currently protesting are Shiite, many other groups are supporting and participating in the massive demonstrations. Iraq
Tulsi Gabbard lays groundwork to force divisive vote on Syria withdrawal Presidential hopeful Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, could trigger a House vote forcing President Donald Trump to withdraw US troops from Syria — but it’s dividing the anti-war movement. Syria
