Europeans rebuff Trump call to abandon nuclear deal amid growing rift on Iran The United States and Europe continue to be divided on Iran, with points of contention including how to react to the Iran protests and how the United States has doubled down on pressure after the Soleimani killing. United States
Libyan rebels lobbied US energy officials, GOP lawmakers amid oil dispute Lobbyists for strongman Khalifa Hifter’s forces helped set up meetings with US officials for Libya’s rival government. Libya
As Russia mediates Syria-Turkey talks, can new Idlib truce hold? As the international spotlight was on intra-Libyan talks in Moscow, Russia mediated talks between Syria-Turkey security chiefs Syria
Years after coup, purged civil servants feel trapped in Turkey More than 130,000 dismissed civil servants continue to fight for their jobs and basic rights in post-coup Turkey, including those acquitted of their original charges. Turkey
Can Iran mobilize allies to end US Mideast presence? Iran seeks an end to the US presence in the Middle East, but can it bring Russia and Turkey on board? Iraq
Intel: Why the US is expelling dozens of Saudi military trainees Washington is expected to expel more than a dozen Saudi military trainees from the United States. Saudi Arabia
Protests continue in Iran over plane crash Iranians' outrage continues unabated since their government admitted to shooting down a Ukrainian plane, killing 176 people. Iran
Has Netanyahu outsmarted himself in push for right-wing merger? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing right-wing parties to unite ahead of March elections, but his past success at encouraging such a merger might thwart his efforts this time around. Israel
Israel’s Minister Kahlon: social mobility and caring for the poor Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon plans to quit politics, leaving behind not only bitterness but also a legacy of the 'Second Israel' rising to high positions. Israel
Could fragile cease-fire lead to peace in Libya? The warring parties in Libya agreed to a cease-fire, but the process remains fragile. Turkey
Africans in Istanbul victims of unemployment, red tape "We love it," say many members of the African community in Turkey, but add that there are few jobs — at least for them. Turkey
Ottoman archives help Palestinians reclaim their land The Palestinian Authority is heavily relying on Ottoman archives to prove ownership of thousands of dunams of lands claimed by Israel in the West Bank. Palestine
Egypt launches program in search of the next Mo Salah The Egyptian government has signed a five-year agreement with a sports development company to identify and nurture youths with the potential to excel at professional sports. Egypt
Abbas mulls option of postponing Palestinian elections Al-Monitor has learned that President Mahmoud Abbas is getting ready to postpone the Palestinian general elections under the pretext of Israel’s yet to be announced reponse to a request to allow Palestinians in Jerusalem to vote. Palestine
Foreign troops' future in Iraq uncertain as clashes continue Tension between Tehran and Washington has some Iraqis worried about foreign troops withdrawing from Iraq, although the United States had said it has no intention of leaving the country in Iranian hands. Iraq
Viral song spreads vivid debate on misogyny in Egypt A satirical song called "Salmonella" has stirred up public debate on misogyny and male chauvinism in Egypt. Egypt
