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
Saudi Arabia signs major deal with Turkey to acquire Baykar drones Riyadh has long been interested in Baykar drones and the possibility of producing the weapons in Saudi Arabia. Turkey
Analysis Israel-Morocco security ties set to deepen after Western Sahara recognition The last two years have seen a quantum leap in the security and strategic cooperation between Israel and Morocco. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
US sends F-35s, Navy destroyer to Middle East amid aggressive moves by Russia, Iran The Pentagon is bolstering its defenses in the region as Congress presses the Biden administration to crack down on Iran's oil and gas exports. Iran
On Kenya visit, Cohen meets leader of African country with no ties to Israel Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen flew to Kenya for a short visit to expand the circle of peace, curb Iranian influence in the continent and promote Jerusalem’s bid to be accepted as an observer in the African Union organization. Israel
Israel recognizes Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara The move follows the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Israel and Morocco in 2020 as part of the US-brokered Abraham Accords. Israel
Egypt building collapse leaves 9 dead, fourth in a month The collapse of a building in Cairo on Monday is brings number of fatalities from these incidents in Egypt to 25 in the last four weeks. Egypt
Meet Jerusalem Patriarch championing Christians rights and soon to be Cardinal Jerusalem’s Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the soon-to-be-nominated cardinal, has been spearheading the Vatican's battle against violence in Jerusalem in favor of inter-cultural/inter-religious dialogue for more than 20 years. Israel
Inside Turkey's three dimensions for changing tune on Sweden's NATO bid Turkey’s surprise decision on the Swedish NATO bid seems to be underpinned by considerations on defense and economic areas. Turkey
Can Iran balance dependence on China with economic openness on India? The International North-South Transport Corridor project has become a matter of urgency for Russia, India and Iran, as it would help Moscow and Tehran develop new markets and evade sanctions. Iran
Twitter or Threads? Egypt's activists join but not sold on Meta's idea yet Activists weigh concerns about misogyny and chaos on the pre-existing platform vs. censorship and data collection on Meta's new offering. Egypt
Russia, Iran quietly coordinating in Syria to pressure US, official says Russia is trying to squeeze the US out of Syria's airspace while the IRGC continues to flow weapons used to attack US bases into the country, a senior military official said. Syria
US, West turn up heat on Iran over Ukraine Also: An October benchmark for the Iran nuclear deal could turn into a showdown over Ukraine, while signaling the end of the JCPOA. Iran