Gaza developments portend military escalation with Israel Israel's political impasse is expected to affect the Palestinians' situation in the Gaza Strip, and Israeli intelligence believes new military confrontations will erupt as the security and humanitarian situation there continues to deteriorate. Palestine
Donald Trump, the 'divine gift' to Iranian hard-liners Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who had advocated diplomacy with the West, has lost public support after the United States' assassination of Gen. Qasem Soleimani, giving hard-liners an opening they can easily exploit. United States
The Reformist push for Rouhani's resignation Iran's Reformists have proposed that President Hassan Rouhani step down, but, surprisingly, hard-liners have opposed the idea. Iran
Are we seeing the calm before the storm in the Gulf? The Gulf states need calm for economic growth and security, but it all depends on what the United States and Iran do next. Saudi Arabia
Turkey bombs Yazidi militia in Iraq affiliated with PKK A recent Turkish airstrike killed a top Yazidi military figure and others in Sinjar, Iraq, as Ankara continues its efforts to contain Kurds. Originals
How Soleimani’s slaying could affect Iran-Saudi ties The US killing of Iran’s revered Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani could pose serious security repercussions for Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Turkey gains clout in Libya negotiations following Berlin conference Though observers expect few on-the-ground changes in the Libyan conflict after the Berlin conference, Turkish leaders have secured a seat at the negotiating table moving forward. Turkey
Intel: Trump set to meet Iraqi leaders amid sanctions threats The White House announced Jan. 20 that President Donald Trump will meet his Iraqi counterpart, Barham Salih, this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Trump is also set to meet separately with Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani. Iraq
Iran in tug of war over downed plane's flight recorders The international probe into a Ukrainian plane downed by Iran is facing bumps as Tehran is refusing to transfer abroad the recovered black boxes, while admitting it doesn't know how to decipher the data. United States
Why risky Istanbul airport gets preferential treatment Turkish authorities are scrambling to prop up Istanbul’s new airport as the costly facility faces various strains that might result in major burdens on public finances. Turkey
How strong is Israel’s democracy? Israeli society must let elected Arab Knesset members speak up, even if what they say angers most Israeli Jews and destabilizes consensus. Palestine
Israel’s Gantz shifts stance, supports early publication of peace plan The Blue and White leadership has changed its strategy and is now welcoming an early publication of the Donald Trump administration's peace plan. Palestine
Russian paper gives Erdogan poor marks at Libya peace conference President Recep Tayyip Erdogan did not get what he wanted at the Libya peace conference in Berlin, but how much of a setback was that for Turkey? Turkey
Hamas releases Gaza comedian after public outrage Adel al-Mashwakhi left Gaza after his arrest and release in 2017 over a satirical video, but Hamas lured him back to Gaza years later, only to arrest and release him again. Palestine
Greenback weakening in Egypt as economy improves Egypt’s pound continues to grow stronger against the US dollar in 2020, thanks to gains in foreign investment, tourism and exports. Egypt
Syrian opposition: No civilians crossing to regime-held areas Syrian government forces and their Russian allies have opened three crossings in the northwestern province of Idlib to allow civilians to flee, but the opposition claims no civilians have crossed into the government-controlled areas. Syria
