Analysis Will Turkey’s merchant class circumvent latest trade restrictions on Israel? The Turkish government’s recent export restrictions against Israel will complicate their political relations, but even as bilateral trade declines, experts note that merchants on both sides will look for ways to circumvent the new measures. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Sectarian tension, anti-Syria sentiment haunts Lebanon as it buries Sleiman Members of a Syrian gang have been accused of kidnapping and killing a Lebanese Forces official, prompting attacks against Syrians and raising concerns of sectarian escalation. Lebanon
France, Canada, Australia warn citizens against travel to Israel, Lebanon, Iran Several countries are warning their citizens against travel to Israel, the Palestinian territories, Lebanon and Iran, amid fears that Tehran will strike Israel soon. Israel
Analysis With US on its side, Israel expects any imminent Iran attack to be 'measured' Diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway to contain any military escalation, clarifying limits to Iran to avoid all-out war. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Flurry of US calls to China, EU, Gulf as threat of Iranian attack on Israel looms The calls occurred as the region prepares for a possible response to the suspected Israeli strike on the Iranian Consulate in Syria that killed seven members of the IRGC. Iran
Iraq’s Sudani hosts Chaldean Patriarch in Baghdad following dispute Patriarch Louis Sako moved from Baghdad to Erbil last year after the state revoked a decree recognizing him as head of the Chaldean Catholic Church, a move related to a dispute with the pro-Iran militia Babylon. Iraq
US readies another veto as Palestinians seek elusive UN membership The United States is poised for another UN Security Council showdown as the Palestinians seek full UN membership for the second time. Israel
CENTCOM chief begins Israel visit, coordinating for possible Iran attack CENTCOM chief Gen. Michael Kurilla, on a regional tour, discussed preparations for a possible retaliatory attack by Iran against Israel. Israel
Lufthansa extends Tehran flights ban as Iran-Israel tensions flare The Middle East remains on high alert after a suspected Israeli airstrike killed seven senior Iranian commanders in Damascus April 1. Iran
Lebanon-Venezuela kingpin detained in Turkey's 'third largest' cocaine bust The Turkish Interior Minister reported some 1,340 pounds of cocaine seized in the operation, which also included the arrest of 13 people. Turkey
