Gun violence soaring in Israel's Arab community, as government cuts funding

After boasting in his election campaign that his primary goal in the Knesset would be curbing violence and crime, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has already cut funding for such programs in the Arab community.

Israel

Biden admin 'actively' working to reopen US Embassy in Libya

The US has lacked a permanent diplomatic mission in Libya since heavy fighting forced American diplomats to withdraw in 2014.

Libya

Turkey’s pro-Kurdish party won’t field challenger to Erdogan, boosting opposition’s chances

The pro-Kurdish HDP announced that it will not field a candidate in the May 14 presidential elections and will run under the banner of the Green Left Party to circumvent a potential closure and political ban that it faces.

Turkey

10 soldiers killed in Yemen as fighting with Houthis resumes in Marib

The fighting in oil-rich Marib is disrupting renewed efforts to end the Yemeni war amid the cautious optimism that has followed the Saudi-Iranian deal.

Legacy: Gulf

Lebanon police clashes with retired soldiers trying to storm government HQ

The Lebanese army is suffering from desertions and police have joined the wider public in protesting amid the ongoing crisis.

Lebanon

US summons Israeli ambassador as law restraining settlers rescinded

After condemning anti-Palestinian statements by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, the State Department slammed the Israeli government over rolling back parts of the 2005 disengagement law.

Israel

Pakistan sees opportunities, questions in China's Iran-Saudi deal

Having often been caught in the middle between the rivals, Pakistan is looking forward to calmer Saudi-Iran relations and reaping economic benefits through its partner, China.

Legacy: Gulf

Israel strikes Syria’s Aleppo airport for second time in two weeks

The reported strike follows increased Israeli military planning against Iran, and comes in midst of Arab openness to the Assad government

Syria

Turkey, Greece take strides in Ankara meeting as aid diplomacy continues

A meeting of senior Turkish and Greek diplomats in Ankara is the latest diplomatic contact spurred by post-disaster diplomacy, and the fourth meeting of the “Positive Agenda” initiative.

Turkey

18 contenders jump into Turkey's two-horse presidential race to unseat Erdogan

While voting will be between incumbent Recep Tayyip Erdogan and challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu, May’s election will see a colorful assortment of would-be presidents.

Turkey

Turkey, Iraq laud cooperation, but major disagreements remain

Sudani on his first visit to Ankara, stressed the importance of Iraq’s sovereignty in the two countries' fight against terrorism.

Turkey

Iraqi Kurdish authorities hand over remains of Syrian Kurdish elite forces from mystery helicopter crash

Circumstances of the helicopter crash have raised even more questions about the mission of those onboard.

Syria