EU foreign policy chief reveals Iran deal 'secret' While EU foreign policy chief Frederica Mogherini said a part of the nuclear deal's preamble hinting at more engagement was added the request of Tehran, the latter denies the accord was intended to open the door to other talks. Iran
At Zarrab trial, citizen journalist raises ire of Turkish media A lone citizen journalist covering the case of Turkish-Iranian gold trader Reza Zarrab in New York is stirring anger among Turkish media for her candid and nontraditional reporting. Turkey
Turkish prosecutor wants opposition leader’s immunity scrapped A Turkish prosecutor filed a criminal complaint against Kemal Kilicdaroglu, chairman of the Republican People’s Party and anti-corruption crusader, potentially expanding a crackdown that has already targeted other members of the parliamentary opposition. Turkey
Baghdad could take oil in new direction — away from Turkey Now that Iraq's central government in Baghdad has reclaimed oil-rich Kirkuk from the Kurdistan Regional Government, Iraq is considering changes that could hurt Turkey's standing in the oil market there. Iraq
Turkey's tomato exports to Russia come at a price for Turks Turkish exporters resumed tomato sales to Russia in November after a two-year embargo, but only a month later, Turkish consumers discovered there is little to celebrate. Turkey
Israelis not ready to topple Netanyahu over corruption Corruption and scandal may not be enough for voters to remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from office. Israel
Israeli defense minister's comments highlight 'plague of racism' Growing displays of xenophobia, incitement against minorities and legislation curtailing the freedom of human rights groups reflect the spread of racism within Israeli society. Palestine
Did Trump’s Jerusalem decision revive support for Palestine? US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital has put the Palestinian cause back in the forefront after years of neglect in light of other regional crises. Palestine
FSA opens new business crossing in northern Syria A Syrian rebel faction opened a business road crossing in the Aleppo countryside to collect funds for the local civilians and military. Syria
Does Egypt really need a Women's Affairs Ministry? Egyptian member of parliament Hiyam Halawa announced a proposal for the establishment of a Ministry for Women's Affairs, but some Egyptians argue it wouldn't help advance women’s status in the country. Egypt
New trade union law undermines freedom of association in Egypt Egypt’s parliament approved a draft law on the regulation of trade unions, which independent unions criticized for failing to protect the workers’ right to association. Egypt
US trains Syrian civilians to destroy explosives The United States is getting scores of Syrian locals ready to deal with explosives left behind by the Islamic State. Syria
Iran's hard-liners aren't only ones empowered by Trump's Jerusalem move Trump’s Jerusalem announcement is only the latest in a series of missteps that have empowered various camps in Iran, including that of Rouhani. Saudi Arabia
Despite rumors, Iran says it's not surrendering share of Caspian Sea In response to reports that the government was giving up too much of its control of the Caspian Sea, a former Iranian deputy foreign minister explained the latest on talks over the sea with Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Russia. Iran
Egyptians tell stories of abuse, harassment on stage The Egyptian version of The Vagina Monologues, BuSSy, has gathered over 1,000 stories since 2006 and brings women and men to theaters around the country to share their experiences on sexual harassment and abuse. Egypt
Muslim leaders at Erdogan-led summit declare East Jerusalem Palestine's capital Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a hastily organized meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to condemn US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and galvanize a united Muslim response. Palestine
