Analysis Tunisia's problems grow worse while Kais Saied avoids public When President Kais Saied reappeared recently after a two-week absence, he addressed a country whose political, economic and immigration woes grow steadily more intractable. By Gilles Kepel
Turkey shuts airspace to Sulaimaniyah flights, citing Kurdish militants The move is likely retaliation against ties between Kurdish militants and the Iraqi Kurdish Patriotic Union Party. Turkey
Will Turkey’s conservative young women abandon Erdogan and AKP? The conservative women vote played an important role in bringing Erdogan’s AKP to power two decades ago. But according to polls, that segment of Turkish society is looking for alternatives as AKP became too conservative for their taste. Turkey
Israel's Ben-Gvir's push for a National Guard could give him own militia Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's plans for a National Guard under his command has its origins in the 2021 communal violence between Jews and Arabs, but the security establishment is not on board. Israel
In Lebanon, journalists come under legal intimidation as press freedom declines Two editors-in-chief of independent Lebanese news outlets have been summoned by security services, reigniting freedom of the press issues in Lebanon. Lebanon
Iran rules out interim nuclear deal Iranian official dismisses talk of a "less for less" deal as "the outcome of some think tank brainstorming." Iran
China to host Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers as detente moves forward The Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers are meeting in Beijing on Thursday to advance the deal announced last month to restore ties between the two countries. Gulf
TotalEnergies confirms $10 billion investment in Iraq oil fields, solar plant The long-delayed deal is expected to bolster the regional electricity grid in the south of the country. Iraq
3 Syrians dead, 3 missing as Ukraine-bound ship sinks off Turkey's coast Rescuers are trying to reach three missing crew members of the Joe 2 ship, which had 14 crew on board. Turkey
Iran appoints first ambassador to UAE in 8 years as Gulf thaw continues Reza Ameri previously served as Iran’s ambassador to Algeria, Sudan and Eritrea. Gulf
Israeli forces storm Al-Aqsa, arrest over 300 as clashes resume with Hamas Violent clashes at the Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa compound led to heavy rocket fire overnight from the Gaza Strip toward Israeli localities. Israel
