Culture Alert: October dominated by film festivals in Middle East

A number of film festivals, from short films to documentaries, take place in Beirut, Tehran, Haifa and Istanbul throughout October — where many of the regional countries’ nominees for Oscars will be screened.

Israel

Does Istanbul mayor's ouster spell AKP shakeup?

Istanbul's mayor, a member of the Justice and Development Party, has appeared on post-coup Turkey's chopping block as the ruling party works to revitalize its base and prominent members jockey for the jobs.

Turkey

Turkey indulges in schadenfreude as German right triumphs

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says mainstream German politicians paid a price for dragging Turkey into their campaign, but he may find the new government in Berlin even more reluctant to mend ties with Turkey.

Turkey

Turkey’s threat of sanctions against Iraqi Kurds rattles its own traders

The economic sanctions that Turkey threatens against the Iraqi Kurds have sparked anxiety inside its own borders, where many depend on bilateral trade to make a living.

Turkey

Border crossings bring in cash for Free Syrian Army factions

The Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army is racking up serious sums of money from fees it charges at border crossings in northern Syria.

Syria

Interview

Syrian Kurdish commander: We're 'ready to engage' with Damascus

In an interview with Al-Monitor, a Syrian Kurdish commander says the United States should stay in Syria during the post-Islamic State process.

Mazlum Kobane

SDF commander in chief

Turkish court frees leading journalist as press trial drags on

Prominent Turkish journalist Kadri Gursel has walked out of prison after 330 days, though the often ludicrous proceedings against him and 17 other Cumhuriyet journalists are far from over.

Turkey

Some Turks blame US for Kurdish independence vote

Sources close to Turkey's ruling party say the United States secretly supports Iraqi Kurds' bid for independence as part of US plans for a "second Israel" in the region.

Iraq

Israel cheers on Kurds while ignoring Palestinians

Senior Israeli politicians and the Israeli media have been showering the Kurds with warmth and support in their independence effort while ignoring the Palestinian aspirations for self-determination.

Palestine

As Iraqi Kurds vote for independence, Turkey dials up hostility

Kurds in northern Iraq are holding a historic vote for independence, but opposition from their neighbors, especially Turkey, has ratcheted up regional tensions.

Turkey

Fed’s road map threatens to jolt Turkey

The US Federal Reserve’s plan to trim its balance sheet and keep hiking interest rates could spell trouble for Turkey by changing the direction of global funds and pushing up the price of the dollar.

Turkey

Turkey hopes to pounce on big piece of Mosul reconstruction

Despite their government's past gaffes, Turkish firms want, even expect, substantial contracts to help rebuild Iraq's Mosul, which was reduced to rubble during the long battle to exorcise the Islamic State.

Iraq