Syrian Kurds seek relief from plummeting pound The depreciation of the Syrian pound is so bad that Qamishli residents are struggling to buy basic goods, when available, and is forcing some to leave in search of financial stability. Syria
Liberman accused of double standards on drafting ultra-Orthodox A report on ultra-Orthodox exemptions from military service while top politician Avigdor Liberman served as defense minister has raised serious questions about his campaign to increase their enlistment. Israel
What brought Iranian forces to Idlib front? A number of developments, including Turkey's greater involvement in Syria and the US assassination of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, may be driving Iran's move to get more involved in Idlib battlefield operations. Syria
Intel: Erdogan accuses Russia of 'negligence' while signing military aid deal with Ukraine Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is in Ukraine today to sign a deal providing the Ukrainian army with assistance funding, amid mounting tensions in Turkish-Russian relations following the death of at least eight Turks in Idlib during an exchange of fire with Russian-backed Syrian regime forces. Syria
Turkey says dozens killed in clashes with Syrian troops Turkey shelled some 50 Syrian government targets after its soldiers came under attack in Idlib province in fighting that threatens to drag Turkey deeper into the prolonged conflict and undermine its relations with Russia. Syria
Intel: Jamal Khashoggi’s fiancee to attend Trump’s State of the Union address Jamal Khashoggi’s widow will be watching President Donald Trump as he discusses his record in the Middle East at his annual State of the Union address on Tuesday. United States
Iran's Zarif says Swiss humanitarian channel 'small step' Iran has welcomed the new channel with Switzerland, which will allow the delivery of medicine. But it expects more from Europe in fulfilling its end of the nuclear deal. United States
Netanyahu back in charge after scoring points in US, Uganda A diplomacy blitz and another maneuvers have put Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu back in control of the Israeli election agenda. Israel
Algeria battles larger countries to vie for leading role in Libya peace process Algeria is seeking to recover its diplomatic role in the region, by pushing for a political solution in Libya and condemning foreign interference in its affairs. Egypt
Syrian woman's Aleppo documentary takes top British award, up for Oscar "For Sama," a documentary depicting the struggle of a Aleppan mother and journalist, has won BAFTA's award for best documentary and is now in the running for an Oscar. Syria
Syrian mercenaries fight Turkey’s battles in Libya Though the Free Syrian Army denies it has sent fighters to Libya, hundreds of Syrian fighters are now in Libya after being lured by high salaries. Syria
US peace plan may unwittingly unite Palestinians against it Rival Palestinian factions are expected to meet again soon to seek reconciliation so they can make a united stand against the United States' "deal of the century." Palestine
Can the EU resuscitate the two-state solution? The Palestinian leadership is pressuring the European Union to take stronger stances against Israeli actions in the Palestinian territories after President Donald Trump revealed his 'deal of the century,' which threatens a two-state solution. Palestine
Iraq's outgoing government keeps mum on China pact Iraq's economic agreement with China was signed in October but its details are still a mystery, providing fodder for conspiracy theories and potential legal objections. Iraq
Turkish-Russian alignment in Syria faces moment of truth The escalating offensives of Russian-backed regime forces in Idlib are changing the military picture in the whole of northwestern Syria, putting Russian-Turkish ties to a serious test. Syria
Iraqi Jews in Israel watch protests with hope Iraqi Jews in Israel see an opportunity for Iraq in the protest movement, a chance for a more tolerant Iraq to emerge from the crisis. Iraq
