Brunson affair becomes litmus test for Turkish-US ties Uncertainty remains over whether the American pastor will be released from detention next week by a Turkish court. Turkey
Will Iran, Turkey jointly confront US influence east of the Euphrates? Iran and Turkey are gearing their policies in Syria toward jointly tackling the current status quo in northeastern Syria, where US-backed forces constitute a common threat to both Turkish and Iranian interests. Syria
EU votes to withhold funding as Turkish democracy limps The European Union will withhold 70 million euros over Turkey's failure to stop its democratic decline in a blow sure to hurt Ankara where it counts. Turkey
Iranians mob money changers to sell dollars as rial jumps Iranians rushed to money changers in several cities to sell their "home-kept" dollars as their national currency started to regain value. Iran
Foreigners purchasing more Turkish property Eager to lure foreign exchange, Ankara has slashed the financial criteria for foreigners to become Turkish citizens. But the increase in property sales to foreigners is already a worrying omen to many. Turkey
US keeps aid flowing for Palestinian security forces, for now Despite its deep cuts in aid to Palestinians, the US has continued to offer financial support to the Palestinian security services. Palestine
Egyptian documentary filmmakers eye international festivals Egypt's film industry enjoys high visibility, but the country's documentary filmmakers struggle with lack of funding and red tape. Egypt
Palestinian author honored for children's ode to Jerusalem Palestinian author Mahmoud Shukair's latest work has been named one of the top 100 children’s novels around the world, another victory in a banner year for Palestinian literature. Palestine
Israel presses Palestinian olive farmers with new restrictions Israel has imposed new conditions that make it even harder, and in many cases impossible, for Palestinian farmers to harvest their olives. Palestine
Netanyahu wants peace with Arabs, not Palestinians Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu talks big about improving ties with Arab countries but his speeches are meaningless without first resolving the conflict with the Palestinians. Saudi Arabia
Three years in Syria, Russia sums up achievements and challenges On the third anniversary of the Russian campaign in Syria, Foreign Minister Lavrov summed up Moscow's achievements but conceded challenges persist. Syria
Iran FM: Trump ‘repeating the same mistakes’ Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the Donald Trump administration is repeating the same mistakes that led to the US invasion and occupation of Iraq and growing chaos and instability in the Middle East. Iraq
Pence pressure prompts USAID to appoint liaison for Iraqi Christians USAID has appointed a special representative for the beleaguered minority group following intense pressure from the vice president. Iraq
Iran launches missile, drone attacks on militants in Syria Using missiles and armed drones, Iran said it sought to send a message to terrorist groups and their sponsors. Syria
