Analysis

Are Turkey's Erdogan and his nationalist ally about to fall out over Kurds?

For weeks assorted Turkish officials have been leaking claims that there is indeed daylight between the president and his ally of a sort that may even result in an unraveling of their nine-year partnership that has helped keep the AKP in power.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Iran, Russia link payment networks in bid to bypass sanctions

The financial partnership connects the national payment frameworks, aiming to boost trade and tourism between the two sanctioned nations — yet key challenges remain.

Iran

Analysis

As Saied begins new term as president, Tunisians brace for unstable governance

In a second presidential term, Tunisia’s increasingly autocratic ruler is unlikely to secure the political and economic stability the country craves.

By Francisco Serrano

In Lisbon, reporting on North Africa business

In reshuffle, Qatar emir replaces 6 ministers, intel chief: What we know

The Qatari emir issued a series of orders, replacing ministers and appointing new heads of some top agencies in the country, including the State Security, which has been involved in the indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

Qatar

Analysis

With Trump back, Putin works through Netanyahu to strike Israel-Lebanon deal

Russia's President Vladimir Putin indicated in recent days that Moscow is in contact with all parties in the Middle East to push for an end to the fighting.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Analysis

Who is Mike Waltz, Iran hawk to be named Trump national security adviser?

The former Green Beret and China hawk, who was praised by the president-elect during right-wing media appearances, may soon find himself tasked with contradictory and even illegal policy orders as Trump seeks to shake up Washington's approach to national security during his second term in office.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

US strikes Iran-backed militias in Syria in latest round of retaliation

This was the first wave of retaliatory US strikes against Iran-backed militias acknowledged by CENTCOM in several months.

Syria

Turkey’s proposed ‘foreign agent’ law threatens press freedom, critics say

The bill is seen as a major blow to the already weak independent civil society organizations in Turkey.

Turkey

Israel's Smotrich calls for annexation of occupied West Bank: What we know

Israeli far-right minister and long-time supporter of Israeli settlements Bezalel Smotrich said on Monday that he had ordered preparations for an Israeli annexation of the occupied West Bank.

Israel

MBS condemns Israel's 'genocide' in Gaza as Saudi frustrations mount

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler has called for the establishment of a Palestinian state following phone calls with US President-elect Donald Trump and Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian last week.

Saudi Arabia

Who is Elise Stefanik, Trump's pro-Israel pick for UN envoy?

The president-elect described the New York congresswoman as a "strong, tough and smart America First fighter."

United States

Israel steps up strikes in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza despite diplomatic push

Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip have witnessed heavy airstrikes in the past days, amid renewed efforts to appease the situation in the region.

Lebanon