US, Russia stall Turkey's ground operation, but Kurdish gains under threat The Russian and US policies of appeasing Turkey have averted a new Turkish ground operation in Syria for now, but they both lay the ground for a gradual undoing of Kurdish gains in the north. Turkey
Turkish court sentences opposition leader to jail, political ban As Turkey heads for a tight election, an Istanbul court has sentenced Ekrem Imamoglu, seen by some as the man who could unseat Erdogan, to two years and seven months in prison for insulting a public officer. Turkey
As Lebanon unravels, Beirut neighborhood takes security into its own hands Amid Beirut’s unlit streets, men wield torches and batons to ensure security and safety in the neighborhood in an initiative that began in Achrafieh, one of Beirut’s oldest and most charming districts. Lebanon
Culture UAE opens first kosher market for growing Jewish community The Jewish community in the UAE has substantially grown over the last two years, and with it, the demand for a kosher food source. Legacy: Gulf
Iran removed from UN women’s rights body after US push Iran's removal from the 45-member Commission on the Status of Women comes as Tehran continues its brutal crackdown on its nationwide protests. Iran
UAE's Ports Group expands footprint in Sudan The agreement allows the Abu Dhabi-based logistics giant to operate ports in Sudan and will contribute to the UAE’s growing influence on the African continent. Legacy: Gulf
Fate of Iran soccer player unclear as he faces risk of execution Iranian prosecutors are seeking to send Amir Reza Nasr Azadani to the gallows, as the Islamic Republic defiantly presses ahead with death sentences for protesters. Iran
Turkey, insurers reach deal to end oil tanker logjam Ankara’s standoff with international insurers, which has created a line of crude oil tankers near the Turkish straits, ends with agreed wording on an insurance letter demanded by Turkey. Turkey
Iran says Ukraine failed to prove drone claims Tehran continued to dig in heels over deliveries of Iranian drones to Russia and accused Ukraine of making "baseless" claims. Iran
Israel excluded from Ukraine's solidarity conference in Paris While Israel has offered humanitarian aid since the start of the conflict, Ukraine’s president has been strongly pushing for weapons and Iron Dome anti-missile batteries. Israel
