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
Turkish FM says KRG referendum 'big mistake' In an interview with Al-Monitor, Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu speaks about the upcoming independence vote in Iraqi Kurdistan, Turkish-EU relations and expanding cooperation with Russia. Iraq
Egypt looks to Europe to help solve Renaissance Dam crisis Egypt and Germany have recently signed a cooperation agreement to fight illegal immigration to Europe, with Cairo hoping such a deal would garner European support regarding its dispute with Ethiopia over the Renaissance Dam. Egypt
Is Abbas under international pressure to relieve Gaza? Recent actions by President Mahmoud Abbas to relieve sanctions imposed on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip may indicate pressure is being applied from the European Union. Palestine
Trump could kick Iran deal to Congress, Haley says US envoy to the United Nations Nikki Haley made the case today for President Donald Trump to not certify Iran’s continued compliance with the 2015 agreement. United States
Trump keeps world guessing on Iran deal’s future Even as Iran hawks complain they are shut out from the White House, proponents of the nuclear deal are not confident they will prevail with the president. Russia
Turkey-EU tensions spill over to customs union accord Amid mounting bilateral tensions, Germany has ruled out talks on improving Turkey’s customs union accord with the European Union, but such sanctions might have little effect on Ankara in the short term. Turkey
The EU, headed by France and Germany, could replace US on Mideast With US President Donald Trump largely working solo on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the EU is preparing its own initiative, which might be launched next fall. Israel
Turkey, EU can't seem to walk away from each other The fact that Turkey sits on the most strategic real estate in the world ensures that the EU can’t put its ties with Ankara at risk, regardless of objections to Turkey's politics. Turkey
New clashes likely between Turkey, Europe Controversy follows Turkey's president wherever he goes. Next stop: Europe. Turkey
What are European Union’s plans if Trump fails on Mideast peace? If US President Donald Trump fails to advance his Middle East conference initiative, the European Union will advance its own initiative for a third Paris conference. Palestine
Turkey's diplomatic relations with Europe take a nosedive Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is fast ending the European dream following a weekend of serious disputes with the Dutch government over a pro-referendum rally in Rotterdam by Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. Turkey
The real reason behind thaw in EU-Egypt tensions Throughout 2016, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hosted high-level delegations from at least 17 European states including Germany, France and Britain, reflecting a notable improvement in Egyptian-European relations. Egypt
