Despite stepped-up military actions, Turkey still faces jihadi threats

Ankara’s past haphazard policies complicate crackdown on IS; Iran hard-liners gain from protests; Syrian Kurds may not give up sales of Syrian oil to Damascus.

Iraq

Rattled by Pompeo's settlement stance, PA turns to international community

The Palestinian Authority is seeking international support against the Israeli settlements in response to the US secretary of state's statement that the settlements aren't necessarily illegal.

Palestine

Pentagon rethinks how to protect diplomats, aid workers in Mideast war zones

The Pentagon's push for more authority to provide security to diplomats and aid workers in conflict zones could allow US aid to penetrate deeper into war zones.

Yemen

Iran hosts Taliban delegation to talk Afghan peace

Iran is bolstering its foothold in the Afghan peace process amid the vacuum triggered by the US suspension of talks with the Taliban.

United States

Israel v. Netanyahu: The real letter of indictment

The damaging strategic policy decisions made by indicted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are even more criminal than the corruption-related charges for which he has been indicted, causing damage to Israel's defense and diplomacy.

Palestine

Palestinians lobby for tweaks to anti-terror bill

The Palestinian Authority and plaintiffs backed by an Israeli NGO are competing for lawmakers’ ears as Congress seeks to amend an anti-terror law.

Palestine

Pompeo urges Iranians to expose regime abuses

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged Iranians to continue sending messages exposing the Iranian regime’s brutal crackdown on recent widespread protests.

Iraq

Jordan plans to grab excess American weapons

Jordan is planning to obtain excess US fighter jets and large transport planes, part of an ongoing counterterror effort in the Arab kingdom.

Jordan

Pompeo wavers on sanctions red line after Turkey tests Russian missile system

Turkey started testing the S-400 missile system this week, but the Donald Trump administration is still hesitant to implement legally mandated sanctions on Ankara.

Russia

US sanctions on Turkey 'inevitable' after apparent S-400 radar test

US officials are expected to impose sanctions on Turkey following reports that Turkey is testing its Russian S-400 radars in Ankara.

Turkey

Iran continues dismantling JCPOA nuclear restrictions

Tehran is launching construction work on the first of two new nuclear units in a $10 billion expansion of its power plant and has begun enriching uranium at a site formerly limited to research.

Russia

Demolition of Palestinians' Jerusalem homes surges

Israeli authorities have picked up the pace of destroying Palestinian homes in Jerusalem, which Palestinians blame in part on US officials' statements.

Palestine