Netanyahu’s diplomacy: success or failure?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presents himself as a diplomatic magician, though he is accumulating failures on Syria, Iran and ties with Gulf states.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi crown prince capitalizes on photo ops in Asia

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's walk on the Great Wall of China, visits to Pakistan and India and the appointment of a Saudi princess as ambassador to Washington distract attention from the Khashoggi killing and the war in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia

Pentagon tries to reassure Kurdish allies amid Syria pullout confusion

With the Islamic State down to its last few miles in Syria, the Pentagon hopes to get the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces to assist with the American withdrawal.

Syria

Intel: Why Kurds' joy at Trump's decision to keep troops in Syria may be premature

Syria

For Iran, the latest Sochi summit was not just about Syria

Iran used the recent summit in Sochi with Russia and Turkey not merely to signal a willingness to expand its diplomatic role in Syria, but also to maneuver on other issues.

Syria

Abbas trying to build countermovement to the US

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas recently called on the African Union to supervise the upcoming legislative elections, while also calling for an international peace conference, which is seen as a move away from the US administration in sponsoring peace talks with Israel.

Palestine

Trump introduced Qatari to donor pursuing nuclear power project, report says

A Tennessee businessman says US President Donald Trump introduced him to a potential Qatari investor at his Mar-a-Lago resort in spring 2018.

Saudi Arabia

Why can't Palestinian Authority criticize Riyadh?

The Palestinian Authority is confident that Riyadh is committed to the Palestinian cause and a two-state solution, and is reluctant to voice any stance that would cause Ramallah to lose Riyadh’s political and financial support.

Saudi Arabia

Iraq's ancient city of Ur: source of law, site of wonder

Tourists are slowly beginning to return to the ancient Sumerian city of Ur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, raising hopes among some locals.

Iraq

Iran questions Iraq's promise to import oil despite sanctions

In a surprising statement, Iran's oil minister recently complained that Iraq is abiding by the US sanctions and canceling some energy deals with Iran.

Iraq

Israeli scientists count down to first private moon mission

A group of young Israeli scientists are hoping to make history by landing the first Israeli-made private spacecraft on the moon.

Israel

Turkey may help Moscow with Afghan negotiations

Russia is increasing its mediation efforts in Afghanistan as the United States plans its exit.

Turkey