Turkey, Pakistan among 14 countries backing Saudi Arabia's anti-Houthi Red Sea alliance Riyadh won political backing from 14 countries for its proposed maritime defense coalition, but members have yet to commit to joining as Washington weighs its position. Saudi Arabia
Turkey ready to participate in post-UNIFIL force in Lebanon, Erdogan tells Aoun Aoun paid a one-day visit to Ankara amid Lebanon's push to secure an Israeli withdrawal and end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Turkey
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran kills one in Kuwait, targets Egypt for first time Saudi Arabia to announce Red Sea coalition; Netanyahu-Trump meeting raises questions; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iraq's Zaidi cancels Riyadh visit after US-Saudi strikes Netanyahu lauds 'excellent' Trump meeting; Turkey detains another opposition mayor; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Israel’s Netanyahu to discuss Iran, Lebanon with Trump By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says it doesn’t seek to resume negotiations with Washington By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Pass the Sugar: Turkey, Middle East Need a 'Tea Party' The region needs more openness and dialogue, and less conspiracy, around its tea culture. Turkey
Israel's Ties With Greece No Substitute For Alliance With Turkey Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu develops relations with Greece knowing that, though beneficial to Israel, they cannot replace the strategic alliance with Turkey. Israel
Turkish Court Confirms Military Coup Attempt In a historic ruling, the Supreme Court of Appeals in Ankara upholds the heavy prison sentences to top ex-officers accused of attempting to oust the government in 2003. Turkey
Sex Trafficking Open Secret In Northern Cyprus A lawmaker reignites a debate on white-slavery trafficking in Turkish Cyprus, where the smoke screen of the “Las Vegas” myth obscures abuse and suffering. Turkey
Syrian Kurdish Leader Urges Turkey To End Support for Salafists Saleh Muslim, co-chairman of the Kurdish Democratic Union Party, had messages for Ankara in an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor. Syria
Three Reasons Why Turkey Is So Polarized The ruling Justice and Development Party can bridge the gaps by not responding to the provocations of the Kemalists. Turkey
Erdogan's Frustration Shows Over Syria Deal The Turkish prime minister is questioning John Kerry's praise of Syria’s compliance to date with UN Security Council Resolution 2118. Syria
Natural Gas Resources May Be Backstory in Syria War The Syria war, like many of the region's other conflicts, has an important oil and gas angle. Lebanon
Women's Film Festival in Gaza Touches on Sexual Taboos The Gaza-based women's film festival has daringly screened films addressing women's issues that are considered taboo in this conservative society, including sexuality and harassment. Palestine
Turkey Should Press Ahead With PKK Process Ankara’s reform package has disappointed the Kurds, but that should not slow the peace process. Turkey
The enigma of Qasem Soleimani and his role in Iraq Al-Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani, profiled in last month's New Yorker, has been among the most influential, and controversial, figures in Iran-Iraq relations. Iraq
Gulf Cities Emerge As New Centers of Arab World While historic Arab capitals such as Cairo, Baghdad and Damascus are embroiled in civil strife, Gulf cities are powering ahead as new centers for Arab culture, education and business. United Arab Emirates