Erdogan displays survival instinct in Israel reconciliation

Turkey has taken major steps to end its global isolation by reconciling with Israel and apologizing to Russia.

Palestine

Iran rejects speculation on shift, divisions over Syria

Iranian officials claim no differences among officials on Syria; Russia may be rethinking its Syria strategy; UN envoy stresses need for US, Russia “critical mass” in Syria.

Syria

US election 2016: Brexit buoys Trump

Here's what happened on the campaign trail the week of June 20.

Congress

Should next US president consider an Iran nuke deal 2.0?

Sen. Chris Coons says it's critical to forge new relationships between top US and Iranian officials when the Barack Obama administration leaves office to ensure continued smooth implementation of the landmark nuclear deal.

Congress

UN Syria envoy looks for talks to resume in July

UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said a “critical mass” of agreement between Russia and the United States was still needed before holding a new round of intra-Syrian talks on a political transition.

Syria

Are major players shifting strategies in Syria?

Russia and the US find themselves in a complex situation in Syria, with plenty of doubt to go around.

Syria

Why Iran should come off financial watchdog’s blacklist

Given major international banks’ continued reluctance to engage with Iranian counterparts despite the nuclear deal, getting Iran off of the FATF blacklist is a key step in addressing this threat to the nuclear deal.

United States

Poker-faced Netanyahu gambles with US aid money

Top Israeli politicians and security officials are urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the aid package offered by the United States and not take the needless risk of holding out for more.

Israel

Iranian economists worry about both Clinton and Trump

Iranian economists aren’t terribly excited about the departure of US President Barack Obama.

United States

Tehran drags Moscow deeper into Syria

The war in Syria is hitting Iran ever closer to home, prompting Tehran to push for closer coordination with Russia, even as leaders on both sides complain of a lack of confidence and tactical misalignments.

Syria

Obama should ignore misguided 'dissent' on Syria

A Syrian official suggests "federalization" could be the outcome of the political reform discussions, as the Obama administration holds the line on calls for airstrikes against the Syrian government.

Syria

US election 2016: Orlando shooting sparks furious attacks on campaign trail

Here's what happened on the campaign trail the week of June 13.

Iraq