Merz courts Gulf as Germany seeks energy alternatives to US, China Berlin is seeking to capitalize on ties with Gulf energy giants as relations with the United States have cooled amid strains over transatlantic defense commitments, Washington’s pursuit of Greenland and tariffs. Qatar
France's role in Syria-SDF agreement: What to know French diplomatic sources highlight the role played by Paris in recent months in reaching an agreement between the Sharaa government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Syria
Analysis Will EU’s terror listing of besieged Iran's IRGC backfire? The EU designation could ultimately render the IRGC an even more aggressive and defiant organization aboard, and a more assertive rights violator at home. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
European Union adds IRGC to terror list, expands sanctions As the extent of the killing of protests is gradually revealed, the European Union has decided to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. Iran
Is ice finally thawing between EU, Turkey? Ending 2017 on a comparatively higher note, recent conversations and visits between officials from European countries and Turkey could help nudge both sides to better relations in 2018. Turkey
Israelis, Palestinians need European mediation The Jerusalem proclamation by US President Donald Trump put an end to the American role as honest broker between Israel and the Palestinians. Saudi Arabia
EU foreign policy chief reveals Iran deal 'secret' While EU foreign policy chief Frederica Mogherini said a part of the nuclear deal's preamble hinting at more engagement was added the request of Tehran, the latter denies the accord was intended to open the door to other talks. Iran
Europeans help sway Congress to punt on legislation that could kill Iran deal Concerted European diplomatic efforts have helped persuade Congress to not pass legislation that would violate the Iran nuclear deal, for now. United States
Can Europe-Netanyahu gap be bridged? Visiting Paris and Brussels, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was confronted with objections to President Donald Trump's Jerusalem proclamation, but he also heard that Europe won't initiate a peace plan of its own. Palestine
Are Turkey and Europe seeking a new kind of relationship? Turkey’s EU membership bid has reached an impasse, but cooperation between Ankara and Brussels continues in key areas of mutual interest. Turkey
EU to cut aid to Turkey as accession talks trail off The European Council has decided to cut its pre-accession funds for Turkey in yet another bad sign for the country's EU membership process. Turkey
Why Netanyahu loses no sleep over European uproar Though Israeli leftists may welcome eight European countries' demand that Israel repay them for destroyed and confiscated aid for Palestinians, they may be playing right into the prime minister's hands. Palestine
Italy, Egypt renew relations despite unresolved murder The return of Italy’s ambassador to Egypt more than a year after the torture and slaying of Italian student Giulio Regeni in Cairo heralds new opportunities for cooperation between the countries. Egypt
Turkey indulges in schadenfreude as German right triumphs Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says mainstream German politicians paid a price for dragging Turkey into their campaign, but he may find the new government in Berlin even more reluctant to mend ties with Turkey. Turkey
Europeans: Trump can win on Iran without ending nuclear deal Envoys to Washington say trans-Atlantic cooperation against Tehran needs to build on the 2015 nuclear accord, not undermine it. United States
Khamenei says Iran will respond to nuclear deal violations Iran’s supreme leader warned of a response if the United States walks away from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. United States
