Newsletter: Turkey Erdogan’s new rival The week’s biggest bombshell came from Ozgur Ozel, the ousted opposition CHP leader, who said he will probably form a new party. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Yemen's Houthis raise Red Sea stakes for Trump With President Donald Trump ratcheting up his threats, will Iran play its Houthi card? Iran
Analysis Trump's ‘180-degree reversal’ on Lebanon, Syria leaves Netanyahu with few options before elections Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hopes an Israeli withdrawal from two pilot zones in southern Lebanon will help ease tensions with President Donald Trump. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran strike damages Kuwait power, desalination plant: What to know Kuwait, the world’s most water-stressed country, urged residents to reduce electricity and water use following the attack. Kuwait
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US extends Iran strikes to bridges, airport By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Trump taps Russia-born investor to oversee $200M+ fund backing Armenia-Azerbaijan corridor United States
Iraq’s Yazidis appeal to Baghdad for funds to rebuild their native Sinjar Iraq's Yazidi groups are pleading for more financial assistance to rebuild Sinjar, which was decimated by the Islamic State. Iraq
Jordan, Palestinians condemn visit by Israel’s Ben-Gvir to Temple Mount After two largely-criticized visits since the beginning of the year to the site, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Temple Mount compound again, on the Jewish holy day of Tisha B’Av. Israel
Biden walks tightrope as Israel’s democracy tested The judicial overhaul pursued by Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition has bitterly divided Israeli society and cast further strain on US-Israel ties. Israel
Turkey's Erdogan, Fidan talk economic ties with China's foreign minister Despite the growing rapprochement between Ankara and Beijing, conflicts, long mistrust and economic rivalry will likely limit the extent of cooperation between Turkey and China, analysts believe. Turkey
Wildfires kill dozens as extreme heat sweeps across Algeria, Turkey, Europe Scientists say the wildfires have become more intense in the past years due to climate change. Turkey
CENTCOM chief arrives in Israel, discusses Iran, Hezbollah with military brass High-level visits and conversations between US and Israeli military leaders suggest that military cooperation continues despite the deepening rift. Israel
Turkey's Erdogan brings rival Palestinian leaders together in rare meeting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh met face-to-face in Ankara ahead of reconciliation talks in Cairo. Turkey
Pentagon seeks to deepen military ties with Israel despite judicial overhaul Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urged his Israeli counterpart to "address extremist settler violence against Palestinian civilians," but said Washington's support was unwavering. Israel
China’s newly appointed FM Wang Yi heads to Turkey, will meet Erdogan The meeting with Erdogan and Turkish FM Fidan will mark the first high-level visit from a Chinese official since 2021. Turkey
Turkey arrests journalist over social media post, sparking outcry from civic groups International and local rights watchdogs lambasted Firat Can Arslan’s and four other journalists’ detention. Turkey
Quran burning in Denmark as Egypt, Bahrain summon Sweden diplomats The Middle East is fuming following a series of Quran burnings in Denmark and Sweden. Turkey
Erdogan’s base unfazed by U-turns as Turkey prepares to host Egypt’s Sisi According to unconfirmed reports in Turkish media, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi might even arrive in the Turkish capital as soon as Thursday. Turkey