Russia seems set to establish new military base in northeast Syria Russia has been fortifying its military presence in Qamishli and appears to be constructing a military base there, its third in Syria. By Maxim A. Suchkov
Hamas arrests gunmen trying to cross into Sinai Hamas' security efforts are paying off, stopping suspected terrorists from crossing into Egypt on twice in one week. By Adnan Abu Amer
Erdogan lauds Trump for 'sincere' efforts to fix ties with Turkey The Turkish president received a warm welcome in Washington despite launching a military operation in northeast Syria that has upended US regional policy and defying NATO to acquire Russian weapons. By Ayla Jean Yackley
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. By Mohammad Habosh
Rouhani: US no friend of Muslims, Mideast President Hassan Rouhani has continued his new anti-US position at the latest Islamic Unity Conference. By Al-Monitor Staff
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. By Dana Taib Menmy
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. By Khaled al-Khateb
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. By Pinar Tremblay
US sanctions send Iranians to Turkey in droves Turkey has continued to attract a steady trickle of economic migrants and asylum seekers from Iran. By Killian Cogan
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. By Giuseppe Mancini
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. By Shawn Yuan
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. By Naseh Shaker
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. By Diego Cupolo
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. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
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. By Andrew Parasiliti In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security
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. By Jack Detsch