Why did Shamkhani, Iran's powerful national security chief, resign? Ali Shamkhani, the longstanding secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, has yielded his post to a prominent commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran
US readies strategy to target Syria’s Captagon trade In the coming weeks, the Biden administration will submit to Congress an interagency plan to tackle the Syrian regime's multi-billion-dollar drug business. Syria
Analysis Turkey’s Kilicdaroglu scapegoats Syrian refugees in bid to defeat Erdogan Opposition leader sides with hard-liners advocating expulsion in last-ditch effort to unseat Erdogan in election that should turn on economy. By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti
Turkey's Erdogan wins another term, enters third decade in power Incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has the lead against Kemal Kilicdaroglu in Turkey’s fateful runoff. Turkey
How Erdogan’s reelection will shift Turkey's foreign policy goals Erdogan’s desire to build a legacy as an above-party national leader requires him to sustain and nurture the notion of a “strong Turkey” in foreign policy. Turkey
Erdogan vs. Kilicdaroglu: What to expect in Turkey's first ever election runoff Though polls give a lead to the incumbent president, a victory by the main opposition leader in Sunday’s presidential runoff seems still possible depending on a combination of challenging factors. Turkey
World Cup migrant workers still detained in Qatar: report The Guardian has confirmed that three migrant workers from Pakistan and India arrested in January after their World Cup-related contracts were terminated remain in detention to this day. By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Iran, Belgium complete prisoner swap mediated by Oman Belgian national Olivier Vandecasteele was released from prison in Iran in an Oman-mediated exchange deal. Iran
Analysis Gulf space sector attracts private companies, including Bezos' Blue Origin The Middle East and North Africa is one of the world's most active regions in expressing interest in space technology and travel. By Salim A. Essaid
Israeli brass sounds alarm on Iran's readiness to launch nuclear attack Israeli officials are watching tensely as intelligence indicates Iran is working on the detonation mechanisms needed for a nuclear bomb. Israel
