Iraqi protesters demand UN protection from violence of authorities Iraqi protesters are seeking protection from the United Nations against the violence against them. Iraq
Trump’s Mideast peace plan puts heat on Biden, Buttigieg ahead of Iowa caucuses Pro-Palestinian activists are urging Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg to push for a cut Israeli military aid in the crucial days before the Iowa caucuses. Palestine
Putin’s thin red lines in Syria rattle Erdogan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan still has limited options in the wake of Syria's retaking of a key town in Idlib province. Syria
US to boost Egyptian air defenses despite congressional anger The Trump administration plans to provide Egypt with excess military equipment even as members of Congress seek sanctions against the country over the death of a US citizen. Egypt
Syrian Kurdish center sets out to defang 'cubs of the caliphate' Former Islamic State child soldiers who are being reeducated at a Kurdish center face an uncertain future. Syria
Turkey's hands tied as Syrian army makes gains in Idlib Behind its strong condemnations, Turkey is quietly accepting the new status quo in and around Idlib. Syria
Israeli Arabs alarmed over Benny Gantz supporting Trump’s plan Israeli-Arab politicians warn that they will not support a Blue and White-led coalition after the elections, if party head Benny Gantz keeps supporting the Trump administration's peace plan. Israel
Intel: Will Russia, Turkey de-escalate tensions over Syria’s Idlib? The Kremlin has fired back at Turkey’s complaints that Moscow is violating its commitments in the northeastern Syrian province of Idlib. Syria
Moscow, Tel Aviv exchange favors as Netanyahu shops for support on US plan In their second meeting in two weeks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to placate Russian President Vladimir Putin over the US peace plan, but Moscow may see its own merits in the deal. Israel
Turkey expands gas exploration efforts to Libya’s offshore waters Turkey has moved to expand its gas exploration drive in the tension-ridden eastern Mediterranean since signing a maritime accord with Libya’s Tripoli-based government, but there are also signs that Ankara might seek to break its isolation in the region. Turkey
East Jerusalem, lacking local leaders to face daily problems, continues on edge Successive incidents in East Jerusalem are keeping the 350,000 Palestinians on edge as there seems to be no process that can lead to fill the leadership vacuum in the city. Israel
US peace plan quashes hopes for Israel-Hamas cease-fire The announcement of the US peace plan has undermined any prospect for a long-term truce between Israel and Hamas. Palestine
Trump’s 'peace plan' rewards settler violence President Donald Trump's blessing of territorial annexation is nothing less than a reward for government-sanctioned 'Wild West' settler violence and appropriation as illustrated by the small percentage of indictments for criminal acts committed against Palestinians on the West Bank. Palestine
Israeli left paralyzed over Trump’s peace plan The Israeli left has failed to challenge President Donald Trump’s "deal of the century" or to suggest alternative ideas on peace despite the plan's troubling provisions, including revoking the citizenship of Israeli Arabs. Palestine
Iraqi protests swell despite clash with Sadrist supporters When their tents were burned, Iraqi protesters replaced them with concrete structures. And when influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr withdrew his support, even more protesters turned out despite fears of a crackdown by security forces. Iraq
White House sends Congress mixed messages on Iran war votes President Donald Trump told lawmakers to “vote with their hearts” on war powers legislation, but the White House is playing hardball with Republican defectors. Iraq
