Israel's justice minister, the darling of Likud members The more he stirs controversy, the more Likud members hail Justice Minister Amir Ohana. Israel
Turkey slams US defense bill as sanctions loom The US Senate passed a defense bill with several measures deemed hostile by Ankara officials, signaling Capitol Hill’s intent to move forward with sanctions on Turkey. Turkey
Iranian city hit by flood mismanagement, mystery deaths A renewed debate on crisis mismanagement is gripping Iran after four patients died at a hospital's Intensive Care Unit due to a power blackout caused by lightning and heavy downpours. Iran
Intel: Top US and Russian generals link up to talk Syria Gen. Mark Milley, the top US military official, met his Russian counterpart Gen. Valery Gerasimov in Bern, Switzerland, today as part of an ongoing high-level military dialogue between the United States and Russia. Syria
Intel: Why Democrats failed to repeal a key military authorization As US lawmakers vote on a compromise to fund the government this week, one thing is conspicuously absent in the spending bill: a provision Democrats added to repeal the 18-year-old military authorization that serves as the legal basis for counterterrorism operations throughout the Middle East and across the globe. Congress
Democrats urge Trump administration to extend protections for Yemenis House Democrats are urging the Donald Trump administration to extend protections for Yemenis living in the United States. Yemen
Will impeachment curtail Trump’s ability to shield Turkey from Congress? Turkish-American ties will likely remain strained in 2020, as Trump will be preoccupied with his reelection bid and have less time for Turkey. Turkey
Disagreements among PMU leaders stir up conflict between factions Popular Mobilization Units factions are divided over how to deal with protests, as some take stances against the demonstrations while others offer protection to protesters. Iraq
Egypt flexes muscles in Mediterranean after Libyan-Turkish agreement Egypt has conducted extensive military drills in the Mediterranean in a clear response to and a show of strength against the maritime agreement between the Libyan Government of National Accord and Turkey. Egypt
Can Gaza's troubles get Ireland an Oscar? Ireland's nominee to the Academy Awards, "Gaza," sets the siege — brought on by history, Israel, Hamas and the abandonment of the international community — as the villain. Palestine
How Malaysia is becoming Hamas' gateway to Asia Hamas will participate in Malaysia’s Islamic Summit, another indication of the growing ties between the two. Saudi Arabia
Lebanese migrant workers celebrate despite turmoil A celebration of solidarity and resilience held for migrant workers in Beirut, amid economic crisis and political turmoil. Lebanon
How Egypt reacted to Ethiopia's move on Red Sea Egyptians are growing concerned over Ethiopia’s establishment of a naval base on the Red Sea, which they see as a pressure card on Cairo regarding negotiations on the Renaissance Dam Addis Ababa is building on the Nile. Egypt
Palestine seeks economic relations with Oman A Palestinian ministerial delegation is preparing to visit Oman early next year as part of efforts to sever economic ties with Israel, but some analysts wonder what benefits are to be gained by either party. Oman
Congress sides with Cyprus against Turkey as eastern Mediterranean heats up Congress just passed two bills siding with Cyprus in its territorial and natural gas dispute with Turkey. Turkey
Russia exits nuclear conversion project, but stands by Iran Russia has halted its conversion operations at Iran's Fordow nuclear facility, but this doesn't signal a crack in Moscow-Tehran relations. Russia
