Turkey detains more than 230 as pressure on opposition ramps up The detentions include pro-Kurdish politicians, rights activists and journalists. Turkey
Sudan clears path for 17,500 tons of food aid as war rages Some of the aid has reached the Zamzam camp in Darfur, where famine has been confirmed, while the opening of a key border crossing was extended earlier this month. Sudan
Interview Syrian Kurd FM Ilham Ahmed says PKK leader Ocalan's words of 'vital importance' Ilham Ahmed, the de facto foreign minister of the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, spoke to Al-Monitor about the latest developments in the region, including Turkey's new initiative to end its conflict with the outlawed PKK. Ilham Ahmed Co-President of the Executive Council of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria
Iran promises response 'beyond imagination' to Israeli strikes even as deal looms A month after Israel's Oct. 26 strikes on Iran, Iranian officials are ramping up discussions of a response to the attack. Iran
Cautious optimism in Lebanon as Israel inches toward cease-fire deal Lebanon is awaiting Israel’s decision on a US-brokered cease-fire deal even as Israeli strikes continue across the country. Lebanon
Turkey in talks for US sanctions waiver to pay for Russian gas The United States introduced Ukraine war-related sanctions last week against 118 individuals and entities tied to Russia’s financial sector, including Gazprombank, the country’s largest lender yet to be designated by Washington. Turkey
Analysis Will Trump tariffs on China impact Middle East and North Africa? Universal tariffs could ensnare some US-MENA trade, but potential global economic turmoil might also provide states in the region with opportunities to diversify trade relations. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Netanyahu gets partial delay for testimony; cease-fire decision expected in hours As the Jerusalem District Court decided to delay Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial by one week only, reports say a deal with Lebanon is imminent. Israel
