US sanctions and the dynamics of Iran’s petroleum sector While US sanctions are hitting Iran’s key energy sector hard, the industry remains set to advance, albeit at a slower pace and with a lower level of technology. Iran
Iran health minister resigns over budget cuts Hassan Ghazizadeh Hashemi has resigned as Iran’s minister of health over infighting regarding the budget and his treatment by the Rouhani administration. Iran
Turkish battle plan for Syria shaky despite Trump's promised pullout Turkey's initial satisfaction over the United States' abrupt Syria withdrawal announcement is being tempered by doubts over Washington’s true intentions and awareness of the obstacles that still remain to a Turkish incursion. Syria
US doubles down on military aid to Lebanon The Donald Trump administration is providing Lebanon’s army with more than $100 million in upgrades to tanks and attack helicopters. Lebanon
Turkish army brass at odds over military operation in Syria The Turkish government’s removal of two key commanders from active duty has revealed the discord in the Turkish military over the planned military operation east of the Euphrates River. Syria
Abbas attacks Netanyahu for letting Qatari funds into Gaza Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says Israel is aiding attacks on its own people by acting as a conduit for money to reach Hamas. Qatar
Egyptian silk producers hope to spin profits Egypt hopes that removing tariffs on the import of silkworms will encourage young entrepreneurs to cultivate them to help meet local demand. Egypt
Conflict over Iraqi federal government moves to provincial councils The dispute between Iraqi parliamentary blocs over ministerial portfolios has surfaced over the posts of the provinces' governors. Iraq
Can Museum of Raqqa's glory be restored? The Raqqa Civil Council and a local organization have begun restoring the Museum of Raqqa, but it is unclear whether it can reassemble the treasures removed from it during the occupations by Islamic State and the Free Syrian Army. Syria
Israel’s dangerous game on conditions of Palestinian prisoners The declaration by Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan about worsening Palestinian prisoners’ conditions would only generate unrest in prisons and on the Palestinian street. Palestine
Israel’s ‘shooting routine’ on Gaza border Israel must re-examine the army’s open-fire orders that result in Palestinians shot to death during Friday protests near the Gaza border; one such gunshot killed Gaza volunteer paramedic Rouzan al-Najjar in 2018. Palestine
Will Egyptians ever accept normalization with Israel? Even the hint of normalization efforts between Israel and Egypt creates a public outcry in Cairo. Egypt
Israelis deserve to know the truth about submarine scandal A public watchdog has petitioned the Supreme Court in an effort to determine whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was directly or indirectly complicit in causing grave damage to state security in a controversial submarine acquisition from Germany. Israel
Trump signals possible flexibility on pace of Syria withdrawal President Donald Trump signaled possible flexibility in the pace of a US withdrawal from Syria, saying the United States would protect the Kurds. Syria
Lawsuit over Washington violence looms over US-Turkey relations Kurdish protesters who were pummeled by President Erdogan’s security detail last year are seeking millions in damages in US federal court. Turkey
US-led coalition scrambles to realign Islamic State mission following Syria exit The global coalition is turning its attention to Iraq to avoid a resurgence of the Islamic State. Iraq
