Meloni to attend GCC summit in Bahrain as Italy deepens Gulf ties The summit is expected to focus on economic integration in the Gulf, but regional issues will likely loom just as large, including post-war Gaza and the conflict in Sudan. Bahrain
In first foreign visit, Pope Leo meets Erdogan, urges Turkey to uphold pluralism On his inaugural foreign visit to Turkey, Pope Leo called for respect for pluralism after meeting with the Turkish president. Turkey
Analysis Pope Leo in Turkey, navigating faith, politics and Orthodox tensions The visit will bolster Turkey’s image on religious tolerance and shared positions with the Vatican while Ankara navigates sensitive issues surrounding the Halki Seminary and the Greek Patriarchate’s ecumenical status. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Germany lifts Israel arms embargo: What changed in Berlin? With the ceasefire in place, even though violated at times, Berlin decided to lift the partial arms embargo it imposed on Israel. Israel
Analysis UK chases elusive GCC trade deal that could boost exports, economic links By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Iran expels German diplomats as row continues over death sentence Iran has sentenced another dual European citizen, a German-Iranian man, to death in relation to a 2008 attack on a mosque. Iran
Barcelona ends twin city agreement with Tel Aviv, citing Israeli 'apartheid' Barcelona’s Mayor Ada Colau said that thousands of residents in her city signed a petition to sever ties with Tel Aviv so as to pressure Israel on Palestinian human rights. Israel
Turkey's earthquake spikes Europe's fears of Middle East flare-ups The Turkish-Syrian border area at large remains one of the world’s geopolitical quagmires, a major epicenter of tensions and fault lines that run throughout the Middle East toward Europe. By Gilles Kepel
Ankara lashes out at US envoy over security alerts: 'Get your filthy hands off Turkey' Turkey’s rhetoric against Washington and several European capitals grows more belligerent, with the interior minister calling out the American ambassador. Turkey
France's seizure of Iranian weapons to Yemen is a win for Pentagon French forces seized some 3,000 assault rifles, 23 anti-tank rockets and more than half a million rounds of ammunition bound for Yemen's Houthi rebels. Iran
Turkey denounces 'psychological war' as Western consulates close Turkey has summoned ambassadors from nine countries after a number of diplomatic missions temporarily shut their doors amid a growing terror threat level. Turkey
Senator Van Hollen says no F-16s for Turkey if Sweden, Finland not admitted to NATO The Democratic senator also discussed concerns about Israel’s new government, China’s inroads in the Gulf and more at the Al-Monitor PRO event. Turkey
Israel's Netanyahu to meet Macron in Paris amid Iran tension Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to travel to Paris on Thursday to meet with the French leader. Israel
After Sweden, tension on Islam between Europe and Middle East hits dangerous crossroad By Gilles Kepel
Saudi Arabia leads Middle East's luxury property buyers in London The Middle East made up some of the top buyers of London luxury real estate in late 2022, only falling behind European and UK buyers. By Salim A. Essaid
Is 'Jihadi terror' in Europe coming back with a vengeance? Despite initial fears, terror attacks have been limited in scope since the beginning of the decade, when compared to IS days. By Gilles Kepel
Even after the 'visa war,' the bad and the ugly lingers between EU, Global South Continuing immigration pressures complicate relations for both aging Europe and the nations to the south and east with booming populations. North Africa
