Erdogan hopes Putin summit will greenlight Turkey's new Syria operation Ankara’s central role in facilitating the Russia-Ukraine grain deal could strengthen its hand in securing Moscow’s acceptance of a Turkish military incursion. Turkey
Israel sends armed drones over border to curb Islamic Jihad threat The escalation comes after the IDF arrested one of their senior leaders in the West Bank. Israel
Iranian negotiators in Vienna as questions remain over IRGC delisting The removal of the Revolutionary Guards from the US list of foreign terrorist organizations continues to play a central role in the debates surrounding the revival of the Iran nuclear deal. Iran
Egypt pins hopes on Russia-Ukraine grain agreement Egypt, especially hit hard by the global food crisis resulting form the Russia-Ukraine war, is hoping for relief via the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Egypt
Saudi Arabia-China relations strengthen with Aramco-Sinopec deal The ties between China and Saudi Arabia are largely based on trade and energy cooperation. Saudi Arabia
How Zawahiri's death affects Syrian opposition factions Hayat Tahrir al-Sham did not issue an official statement regarding Ayman al-Zawahiri’s death, although some if the group's leaders expressed condolences on Telegram. Syria
Iranian influence turns PKK-weakened Kurdistan into regional battleground Vehicles allegedly carrying Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) commanders continue to be targeted in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq amid claims Iran controls both the PKK and Shiite-led forces in oil-rich and disputed Kirkuk. Iraq
Russia-Ukraine war leaves Hamas in financial crisis The fragile Palestinian economy in the Gaza Strip has been largely affected by the Russian-Ukrainian war, which has caused price hikes and an increase in taxes. Palestine
Analysis The Takeaway: Yemen’s truce renewed but permanent peace elusive Strains in Israel-Russia ties; psychological toll of Israeli warplanes over Lebanon; Gulf expands ESG investment; Tunisia’s water shortage and Erdogan's diplomatic star turn on Black Sea grain initiative. By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Andrew Parasiliti
Netanyahu slams Lapid over Israeli inflation spike Opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu believes the high cost of living is where he can turn Israeli citizens against Prime Minister Yair Lapid and his government. Israel
World Bank blames Lebanon for 'deliberate' economic crisis The World Bank accused Lebanon’s elites of conducting “Ponzi finance” and deliberately pursuing harmful fiscal policies. Meanwhile, the Beirut port has caught fire again. Lebanon
