Turkish-American economist Daron Acemoglu wins joint Nobel Prize Turkish-American Daron Acemoglu has become Turkey's third Nobel laureate. Turkey
Interview NATO deepens engagement with Iraq as US prepares to withdraw In an exclusive Al-Monitor interview, Lucas Schreurs, commander of NATO Mission Iraq, explains the scope of his outfit's mandate. Commander of NATO Mission Iraq Lucas Schreurs
Azerbaijan detains Iranian boat for alleged drug smuggling The incident has added to tense ties between Iran and Azerbaijan, in part due to the Baku’s ties to Israel and Tehran's support to Armenia. Iran
Iran-Azerbaijan ties still off track despite diplomatic gestures Azerbaijan's energy minister visited Tehran for preparations to reopen his country's embassy, but such hot-button issues as the Nakhchivan corridor and Azerbaijan's affinity with Israel appeared as stumbling blocks on the path to effective normalization. Iran
Will Iran’s Reformists succeed in gathering all factions under one roof? Iranian Reformists are gathering forces to form a new assembly. But while some think it could be a chance for a democratic entity to represent the movement, others argue that Reformists need to reconnect with society rather than forming new bodies. Iran
Population growth in Iraq raises concerns Iraq's population is steadily growing, raising concerns about a future economic crisis and the government's inability to provide basic services to citizens. Iraq
Iraq launches social fund to fight poverty In cooperation with the World Bank, Iraq has launched a social welfare project to assist unemployed and impoverished Iraqis. Iraq
Syria’s al-Bab opens first Turkish-backed DMV Turkey has backed the establishment of a department of motor vehicles in al-Bab in the Euphrates Shield area, where all vehicles will be registered and inspected to ensure road safety. Syria
Russia eyes deeper economic engagement in Libya Moscow hopes to play a growing role in Libya’s economy, health-care system and educational programs. Libya
Former Brotherhood official hopes new initiative will bridge Egypt's social rifts Former spokesman for the Muslim Brotherhood, Kamal Halbawi, has launched an initiative to mend the social rift in Egypt. Will it be successful? Egypt
Egypt seeks Arab League seat for controversial South Sudan For the first time since it seceded from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has publicly declared its desire to join the Arab League. Egypt
Turkey's quest for EU visa waiver more likely to cause strife than progress Turkey has renewed efforts to get a visa waiver from the European Union, but the move could result in fresh tensions, as many in Europe remain incensed over Ankara’s human rights record. Turkey
Palestinians turn to Turkey The Palestinians are hopeful that Turkey’s promises of increased financial aid will make up for the losses resulting from the United States reducing its aid to UNRWA. Palestine
Iran's absence at Davos sparks speculation Following reports that he had canceled his trip, Iran’s Foreign Ministry claims Mohammad Javad Zarif never planned to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos this year. Iran
Congress acts to jump-start Jordan’s private sector A key House panel voted this week to establish an enterprise fund that Amman had previously resisted. Jordan
Jordan, PA unite forces with Israel to fight natural disasters Israel, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority and other countries participated in a two-day firefighting exercise to build a regional disaster response system, yet some Palestinians criticized the drills as increasing normalization with Israel. Palestine
