Newsletter: Daily Briefing Pakistan's army chief visits Iran as Islamabad dials up mediation push Pakistan intensifies Iran mediation efforts, Syria’s Sharaa secures a G7 invite and Azerbaijan stirs tensions in Turkey. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Interview Ahmad Tibi says Arab parties in Israel can block Netanyahu without joining next government Ahmad Tibi, head of the Arab Israeli Ta’al party, accused US President Trump of enabling Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to continue the war in Gaza and escalate settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Ahmad Tibi Israeli Arab lawmaker
Analysis Azerbaijan envoy hits raw nerve with reminder of Baku’s sway on Turkey-Armenia ties Baku’s ambassador says borders with Armenia will remain closed until Yerevan changes its constitution, hardening positions just weeks before a pivotal Armenian election seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s peace agenda with Turkey and Azerbaijan. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Turkey’s NATO pipeline bid fuels rivalry with Greece: What to know Ankara says the project would be faster and cheaper than alternatives, but rival routes could sharpen competition with Greece over eastern flank logistics. Turkey
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Pakistan interior minister in Tehran amid mediation push By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
As Lebanon unravels, Beirut neighborhood takes security into its own hands Amid Beirut’s unlit streets, men wield torches and batons to ensure security and safety in the neighborhood in an initiative that began in Achrafieh, one of Beirut’s oldest and most charming districts. Lebanon
Analysis Can Biden afford to give up on Iran nuclear deal? US envoy's latest word is Iran is 'not interested,' but the EU reaffirms support for the JCPOA while an IAEA team comes to Iran. By Week in Review
Israel uneasy with deal granting UAE control over pensions Israeli experts warn against the deal, which will have Abu Dhabi government-backed ADQ Developmental Holding Company purchasing a 25% controlling part of Israel’s Phoenix insurance company. Israel
Israel could strike in Lebanon if Iran renews weapons smuggling Iran’s suspected intention to launch an aerial smuggling route from Tehran to Beirut, using civilian flights of an airline operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has prompted concern in Israel. Israel
French foreign minister in Morocco ahead of Macron visit French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna is in Rabat to prepare for next month's visit by French President Emmanuel Macron. North Africa
Jordanian officer killed as protests over fuel prices spread The killing of the officer comes after governmental measures failed to stop a strike staged by lorry and public transport drivers in different Jordanian regions following the protesters’ insistence on a reduction in fuel prices Jordan
As Iran's protests enter fourth month, ruthless judiciary dials up executions As notorious judges lead kangaroo trials and "mock executions", activists are sounding the alarm that the Islamic Republic is using capital punishment as a fear-mongering tool to crush the protest movement. Iran
Netanyahu says peace with Saudis could lead to Israel-Palestine resolution Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu in a rare interview with Saudi-owned outlet, called on US to reaffirm alliance with Riyadh, and for Riyadh to enter talks with Jerusalem for normalizing ties. Israel
Turkey blames Kurdish militants over car bomb attack wounding nine Turkey's interior minister has blamed the outlawed Kurdish militants over the roadside bomb attack in the Kurdish-majority southeast. Turkey
Iran top Central Bank official removed as unrest triggers currency crash The dismissal of Iran's foreign exchange head follows the unprecedented depreciation of rial, following three months of anti-government protests. Iran
Turkey's Erdogan seeking a meeting with Assad and Putin In a reversal, Erdogan wants Russia to set-up a three-way meeting with Bashar Al-Assad, ten years after Ankara calling for his removal from power Turkey
Turkish mayor's conviction unites opposition, but challenger to Erdogan unclear Turkey's opposition leaders are rallying around the case of Ekrem Imamoglu, whose conviction seems to have kicked off the campaign for next year’s elections. Turkey