Will Erdogan’s fate be decided at Turkey's local polls? An opposition victory in March 31 municipal elections, including in Istanbul, could shake up Turkey's political scene in unpredictable ways, perhaps even descent into full-blown authoritarianism. Turkey
From PKK to corridor project: Ambitious agenda awaits Turkey’s Erdogan in Iraq Security cooperation and transport corridor plans are expected to top the agenda of the Turkish president’s visit to Iraq in April, the first of its kind since 2011. Turkey
The case of Makram Rabah and Lebanon’s endangered freedom of expression The arrest of a prominent academic for comments critical of Hezbollah's heavily armed militia has revived debate on attacks against freedom of expression. By Adnan Nasser In Beirut, reporting on Lebanon
Syria: Over 40 killed in alleged Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah warehouse The attack reportedly hit at least one weapons warehouse belonging to Hezbollah near Aleppo International Airport. Syria
Regional water tensions in focus as Iran FM visits Turkmenistan Severely hit by a worsening water crisis in recent years, Iran has been seeking to claim its share of water from reservoirs originating in its neighbors' territory. Iran
Iraq says it killed prominent ISIS leader as group resurfaces The Islamic State remains active in Iraq as Baghdad and Washington discuss winding down the US presence in the country, though the group is relatively weak at present. Iraq
Turkish man rapes Dutch cow; Islamophobes have a field day The incident is likely to serve as ammunition for the swelling number of Islamophobes in the country. Turkey
Saudi Arabia, UAE amp up Africa investments amid growing competition Africa is seeing a major uptick in investments from the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which presents the possibility of 'greater returns' for the Gulf states. Saudi Arabia
From Russia to Iran and Turkey: Understanding rise, narrative of ISIS-K The jihadi group has been raising its profile since the beginning of 2024 through suicide attacks in southern Iran in January and the armed attack on an Istanbul Roman Catholic church last month. Russia
