Can Netanyahu spin right-wing annexation war to his advantage? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu isn’t too worried about rejecting calls on the right for “Annexation now!” as those who do not like his response apparently have nowhere else to go. Originals
Will Iraq's new PM pass on forming government? Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi is under great pressure from the protesters to withdraw from the position, opening the space for a candidate acceptable from all sides. Iraq
Intel: Five Turkish soldiers killed in Idlib amid Russian-Turkish de-escalation talks Five Turkish troops were killed and five wounded in shelling by the Russian-backed Syrian regime today as the Turkish and Russian delegations were in talks in Ankara to wind down the clashes in Idlib. Syria
Following Russian expansion, roadblocks in northeast Syria delineate zones of US control US forces have been preventing Russian patrols from advancing along the M4 highway and around al-Malikiyya in northeastern Syria near the Turkish and Iraqi borders. Syria
Intel: What's behind Russian Defense Ministry anger at Israeli strikes in Syria? The Russian Defense Ministry slammed Israel on Feb. 7 for what the ministry considered a provocation in the skies over Syria. Israel
Rouhani faces winter of Iran's discontent Iran’s hard-liners have already secured a takeover of the parliament in elections this month; Trump says any negotiations are totally up to Iran. United States
Trump confirms al-Qaeda’s Yemen leader killed President Donald Trump has confirmed that a US operation killed al-Qaeda’s top leader in Yemen last week. Yemen
Syria’s Kurds embrace resilience, beauty in wake of Turkish attack Turkey's invasion of northeastern Syria has changed the lives of Kurdish residents in myriad ways, from a bump in confidence-boosting cosmetic surgery to pervasive anxiety over whether Turkey will strike again. Syria
Now Israel's defense minister, Bennett tones down Gaza rhetoric Defense Minister Naftali Bennett has made many belligerent statements over the years about stronger military action in Gaza, but as defense minister he seems to have adopted a policy of restraint. Palestine
Will Gantz defend the rule of law against the Israeli right? Blue and White leader Benny Gantz may be forced to choose between defending democracy and rule of law in Israel and improving his chances of forming a right-wing government after the March 2 elections. Israel
Why are more Russians buying property in Turkey? Despite political tensions between Moscow and Ankara, Russians are increasingly purchasing property in Turkey. Turkey
Gaza-Israel feud escalates, but cautiously Palestinians in Gaza have been trying to sleep through the roar of Israeli jets and bombs, as Israeli settlers wake up to the explosions of grenades in a pseudo-war that might change the rules of engagement. Palestine
Erdogan, Putin endure marriage of convenience The Turkish and Russian leaders may be unhappy partners, but it is clear that they are committed to each other in Syria's Idlib. Syria
Small Istanbul publisher sustains Armenian literature Aras Publishing has spent nearly three decades publishing forgotten classics by Armenian writers in both Turkish and the at-risk Western Armenian language. Turkey
Waves of displacement continue amid Idlib escalation Idlib residents continue to flee toward the border with Turkey as Syrian regime forces, backed by Russian airstrikes, advance on the country’s last opposition stronghold. Syria
US-led mediation may resolve Ethiopia, Egypt, Sudan dam dispute Technical and legal experts continue to consult to draft a comprehensive agreement on the filling and operation of the Renaissance Dam, but internal pressure remains a major challenge in Ethiopia that may hinder the settlement of many controversial issues. Egypt
