Egypt boosts local weapons production Egypt has announced a plan to boost local manufacturing of weapons to boost the capacities of its army and with the ultimate aim to export them to Africa. By George Mikhail
Turkey launches Operation Spring Shield against Syrian forces Turkey has downed two Syrian jets in launching Operation Spring Shield while also sending refugees to the Greek border. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Meet the Lebanese artist who has created the heart of revolution A sculpture by artist Hayat Nazer delivers a message of compassion, peace and reconciliation amid the going protests in Beirut. By Hanan Hamdan
Syrian Kurds ponder Afrin’s recapture in shadow of Idlib crisis The Syrian Kurds' partial collaboration with Syrian government forces in northwestern Aleppo has so far failed to expand amid whirlwind developments in Idlib. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics