Intel: US CENTCOM commander meets with head of Syria’s Kurdish forces The head of Syria’s Kurdish-led militias said he met today with the top commander of US forces in the Middle East, Gen. Frank McKenzie, in northeast Syria. Syria
Palestinian shot and killed by Israeli military after alleged attack Israeli and Palestinian officials disagree on the circumstances behind the death of a 29-year-old Palestinian in a West Bank village Thursday. Palestine
Erdogan's order making Hagia Sophia mosque brings cheers, mourning While many pious Turks and some Muslims throughout the world celebrated the decision to revert the world heritage site to its pre-Ataturk status, others warned of the move's potential to create further domestic polarization. Turkey
Foreign investors flee Turkey, Ankara’s isolation grows An exodus of foreign investors has aggravated Turkey’s economic woes and could prove disastrous for the AKP’s political future. Turkey
Why can't Erdogan win over Generation Z? The latest events reveal the diminishing popularity of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan among Generation Z, but will this matter for the next election? Turkey
Can Iraqi government control corruption at border outlets? Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's government has set its sights on controlling corruption that could ease the impact of the financial crisis in the country, while prioritizing the border outlets. Originals
Intel: CENTCOM commander says Soleimani strike won’t deter Iran forever The top commander of US military forces in the Middle East says he believes the assassination of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani has only temporarily deterred Iran from pursuing its goal of pushing US troops out of the region. Iraq
COVID-19 puts Gulf entrepreneurs at crossroads Innovative businesses could turn the pandemic-induced downturn into an opportunity to transform Gulf economies. Are government policies responsive enough? Gulf
Israel said to offer Hamas prisoner swap Palestinian sources claim that Israel has offered Hamas a limp proposal for a prisoner-exchange deal. Palestine
Sudan reopens airport to flights from Egypt, UAE, Turkey The reopening follows the easing of virus-related restrictions and a modest decline in daily COVID-19 cases. Sudan
Iran government squeezed over ‘secretive’ deal with China Pressure is mounting on the Iranian government to release specifics of a contentious, long-term partnership agreement with Beijing, which some critics fear could effectively turn Iran into a Chinese “colony.” Iran
Israel shifts blame for prostitution from sex workers to clients After years of promotion and preparation, Israel's new law criminalizing the consumption of prostitution has finally entered into force. Israel
Iran offers unconditional support to Hamas, Islamic Jihad Hamas is sparing no effort to restore its relations with Iran, which announced that it will provide all necessary support to the Palestinians facing the Israeli annexation plan of the West Bank. Palestine
Will COVID-19 crisis bury PM Netanyahu? With an unprecedented economic crisis generated by the coronavirus pandemic, it is not at all sure whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can regain public trust. Israel
Why Turkey is trying to improve its profile in the Maghreb In parallel with its military activities in Libya and rising profile in Africa, Ankara moves to strengthen its geostrategic and geo-economic ties with Maghreb countries. Turkey
Intel: Turkey lashes out at new US support for Cyprus Turkey is lashing out at the United States as Washington moves closer to providing Cyprus with military aid as the disputed island nation develops closer energy ties with Israel. Turkey