Syrian jihadist group HTS challenges Turkish-backed factions

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham tried to enter the Turkey-backed factions’ stronghold to support Ahrar al-Sham that refused to support the newly formed leadership by some groups within the movement.

Syria

GCC states focused on both oil, green energy at COP27

During the COP27 in Egypt, Gulf Cooperation Council states have focused on both oil and green energy in light of rising energy demand and the nations’ reliance on energy exports.

Legacy: Gulf

As Iran's crackdown on protests enters violent new phase, casualties surge

Lethal force was used against mourners at funerals, women were tear-gassed at a crowded subway station, and more than two months of unrest in Iran appeared far from fizzling out.

Iran

Turkey’s first national soccer game in Kurdish heartland hints at electioneering

The match was set in Diyarbakir by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as he faces a tough vote next year.

Turkey

France's Macron calls Iran protests a ‘revolution,’ impacting nuclear talks

French President Emmanuel Macron admitted this week that amid ongoing protests in Iran and the mass detention of demonstrators, it would be very difficult for the West to make progress on talks for a new nuclear deal.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Netanyahu, Erdogan pledge new era of Israeli-Turkish relations in phone call

Nine years after their last conversation, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke on the phone and promised to continue rapprochement between the two countries.

Israel

Netanyahu considers former US Envoy Ron Dermer as Israel’s next foreign minister

The relationship between Dermer and Netanyahu is considered as nearly familial.

Israel

Analysis

The Takeaway: Republicans to dial up Iran pressure in 2023

Plus, Israeli officials were surprised by the reported FBI investigation into Shireen Abu Akleh's death, and the US blames Iran for a drone attack in the Gulf of Oman.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Iran behind drone strike on Israeli-owned tanker, US says

Drone debris recovered from the MV Pacific Zircon belonged to an Iranian-made Shahed drone, the US military said today.

Legacy: Gulf

Left out of Knesset, Arab Israeli party fights for survival

Failing to pass the electoral threshold, the Arab party Balad must find new goals, new faces and new enthusiasm in order to survive.

Israel

North Cyprus anniversary highlights renewed rivalry between Turkey, Greece 

Ankara’s support for a two-state solution and efforts to legitimize Turkish Cypriot entity stir Greek anger.

Turkey

US sanctions employees of Iranian state-run broadcaster

The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting is accused of airing hundreds of forced confessions, including from the relatives of Iranians killed in the ongoing protests.

Iran