Islamic Jihad holds firm on Gaza cease-fire conditions Islamic Jihad has vowed to avenge Israel’s assassination of its commander and the attempted killing of another leader in Syria. Palestine
Rouhani: US no friend of Muslims, Mideast President Hassan Rouhani has continued his new anti-US position at the latest Islamic Unity Conference. United States
As Iraqi calls to amend constitution rise, Kurds fear loss of political gains The Kurdistan Region of Iraq is concerned that forthcoming Iraqi constitutional amendments will diminish their rights and lead to the loss of Kirkuk. Iraq
Displaced Syrians demand to return, seek regime-YPG exit Hundreds of Syrians displaced from Tell Rifaat and its surroundings are demonstrating for the right to return home and for opposition forces — not the regime — to control the area. Syria
Re-empowerment of career diplomats could help Turkey salvage global image Operation Peace Spring undeniably revealed what was long feared: Turkey’s inability to explain itself to the world because of structural damage to the traditional workings of the Foreign Ministry, alienated skilled career diplomats and new agencies that are active in foreign policy. Turkey
US sanctions send Iranians to Turkey in droves Turkey has continued to attract a steady trickle of economic migrants and asylum seekers from Iran. Turkey
Syrian refugees trained to restore cultural heritage An Istanbul-based project that trained Syrians to work in the field of cultural restoration received an award from Europa Nostra. Syria
Many young Lebanese protesters forced to hide activism from parents Young protesters are still demonstrating despite the disapproval of their parents, who cling to Lebanon's sectarian-based political system. Lebanon
Riyadh Agreement divides Yemenis in Sanaa Civilians in Sanaa feel frustrated at the Riyadh Agreement recently signed between the main partners of the Saudi-led coalition that will unite them against the Houthis. Saudi Arabia
Absent new agreements, Trump-Erdogan meeting ends with pledge to work together US President Donald Trump and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan met in Washington to rebuild US-Turkish relations without setting a clear path for progress. Syria
Efforts to tie Trump’s hands on Iran, Saudi Arabia hold up key defense bill Congressional efforts to tie President Donald Trump’s hands on Middle East policy have helped stall negotiations as Democrats and Republicans struggle to pass annual spending and defense authorization legislation. Saudi Arabia
The Takeaway: November 13, 2019 Senior Kurdish official describes need for ‘citizen-based reform’ in Iraq; UAE’s Gargash calls for ‘dynamic diplomacy’ to deal with Iran; Iranian scholar explains how Tehran has ‘changed the calculus’ in the region; Eggupying Beirut … and more. Originals
Erdogan’s US welcome sparks fear Trump will halt Turkey sanctions As Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the White House today amid protest from Congress, aides in Congress and experts lose faith that President Donald Trump will impose automatic sanctions on Turkey for taking delivery of a Russian air defense system over four months ago. Turkey
Roads blocked again as economic crises threaten daily life in Lebanon Lebanese protesters have kept up demonstrations, including blocking roads, after the president called on demonstrators to return home. Lebanon
Hard-line Iranian cleric slams Rouhani over preelection 'uproar' A partisan battle is raging between Iran's political elites in the runup to the country's parliamentary polls. Iran
Iran plans to wean budget off oil income by next year Iranian officials say the country will kick its dependence on oil revenues by next year, using them only for development projects and to acquire capital assets. Iran
