Residents returning to Tell Abyad after Turkish-FSA invasion Life is gradually returning to Tell Abyad after the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army took control of the city from Kurdish forces. Syria
The UAE still has military ambitions in Yemen despite ‘withdrawal’ The United Arab Emirates seems to be staging a withdrawal from Yemen’s southern city of Aden while increasing its influence elsewhere in the southern provinces. Saudi Arabia
Will 2020 candidates' calls to condition Israeli military aid spark public debate? The calls of Democrats Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren to condition US security aid to Israel on changes of policy could alienate the Israeli public but could also trigger a useful public debate and even revingorate Israel's security industry. Palestine
National security officials fear White House reversal on Syria As a residual US troop presence arrives in Syria, some Donald Trump administration officials are worried that the president himself may once again reverse his decision to leave troops in the country. Syria
Iran announces newly installed centrifuges Iran has announced more progress on its nuclear program beyond what was stipulated in the nuclear deal. U.S.
Israel's Bennett becoming principal actor again The recent rapprochement between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and New Right senior leader Naftali Bennett is turning Bennett once again into a principal political actor. Israel
Risking Turkey’s ire, Iraqi Kurds back Syrian brethren The oft-disunited Kurds of Iraq, Syria and Turkey are united against Turkey's invasion of areas in Syria where Kurds had achieved self-rule. Iraq
Hamas, Gaza on agenda of Israel’s coalition talks New Right senior Naftali Bennett has toned down his statements on the Gaza Strip over the past few days; he is interested in becoming the defense minister in a future Netanyahu government. Palestine
Egypt launches first shipment to Kenya as part of Gosour project As part of the Gosour project, Egypt launched its first shipping line from Ain Sokhna port to Kenya’s Mombasa port — a project highly praised by the private and public sectors. Egypt
Baghdadi's death complicates Turkey's plan in Idlib The US raid targeting the Islamic State's leader undermined Turkey’s plans to let the status quo prevail in Idlib as the Syrian Constitutional Committee concludes its work. Syria
Turkey to send foreign Islamic State fighters home Turkish forces have captured hundreds of extremists since launching an operation against the Syrian Kurdish militia that fought the Islamic State, and Ankara says a reluctant Europe must take back its citizens. Syria
Does Baghdadi’s death herald the end of IS? The Islamic State is unlikely to disintegrate after losing its leader as the factors that have driven the worldwide membership and activities of the group remain in place. Iraq
Debate on individual freedom reopened in Morocco The case of journalist Hajar Raissouni reopened the debate on individual freedoms in Morocco, and revived calls to annul the law chapters that criminalize them. Morocco
Saudi financial forum visit pays off for India Riyadh and New Delhi were productive during the Indian prime minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia last week. Saudi Arabia
Where the Russia-Turkey deal leaves players on the ground The initial glow of the Putin-Erdogan deal has faded, and the parties are now in for some on-the-ground challenges. Syria
As PMU gets involved in Iraqi protests, rumors about military coup spread PMU leaders who have been silent about the protests have started to get involved, as rumors are spreading in the capital about a possible military coup in the country. Iraq