Ankara open to US mediation role in Turkey-Greece row with conditions: Source A Turkish source told Al-Monitor that Ankara could be receptive to the idea of the US playing a role in easing tensions with Greece. Turkey
Analysis Lebanon-Israel direct talks pause operation against Hezbollah — but for how long? The US blocked Israel from widening its strikes on Hezbollah this week, yet another flare-up in their enduring conflict seems likely despite first direct talks between Lebanon and Israel. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US pressure prompted Israel-Lebanon talks to avert war with Hezbollah According to an Israeli security source, US envoy Morgan Ortagus’ visit was perceived in Israel as a warning that President Donald Trump will not accept Israel launching a large military campaign in southern Lebanon. Israel
Analysis As it prepares for Hezbollah’s retaliation, Israel anticipates limited fighting in Lebanon After Israel killed Hezbollah military commander Ali Tabatabai, the militant group faces demands for retaliation from its base. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Trump pursues Israeli-Syrian security pact with Sharaa, larger US military footprint By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Feature Trump eyes Algeria-Morocco rift over Western Sahara in latest peace bid By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Is Egypt behind Sudanese escalation on border with Ethiopia? With the intensifying border conflict between Sudan and Ethiopia and the success of the Sudanese army in controlling the border areas where Ethiopian farmers have been living for decades, Ethiopia has been hurling accusations of a third party planning, funding and executing the recent confrontations on the border between the two countries. Egypt
Germany opposes arms embargo against Turkey Greece has called for European leaders to apply stronger pressure on Ankara over its actions in the eastern Mediterranean, but the appeals have largely fallen on deaf ears. Turkey
Egypt backs Sudan against Ethiopia amid Nile dam impasse Egypt reiterated its support for Sudan following an attack by Ethiopian forces on Sudanese military troops near the border, at a time of deadlock between the three countries over the controversial dam Addis Ababa is building on the Blue Nile. Egypt
Western Sahara media, activists criticize US decision to recognize Moroccan sovereignty US President Donald Trump announced Thursday that the United States had accepted Morocco's claim to disputed Western Sahara and that Morocco and Israel were establishing full relations. North Africa
How realistic are Turkey’s ambitions over strategic corridor with Azerbaijan Turkey is pinning high economic hopes on a transport link that would connect it to Azerbaijan and beyond, but Russia and Iran have caveats and the viability of Turkey’s projects are open to question. Turkey
Jordan plans consulate in Western Sahara amid flareup The Jordanian consulate will reportedly be located in Laayoune, the largest city in the disputed region. Morocco
Trump-Heights settlement in Golan here to stay Several Israeli families are preparing to move in to the Trump Heights settlement village in the Golan Heights. Palestine
Biden's campaign showed what his Middle East policy may be as president The former vice president criticized President Donald Trump's sanctions on Iran and also spoke out on Turkey's role in the Azerbaijan-Armenia war leading up to the Nov. 3 vote. Israel
Egypt heads to Khartoum to avert crisis over disputed Halayeb-Shalateen area The controversy between Egypt and Sudan over the Halayeb and Shalateen region was renewed after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in a recorded video with a map in the background showing the Halayeb and Shalateen Triangle as part of the Sudanese lands. Egypt
Are Turkey, Azerbaijan ready to talk peace with Armenia? Although TRT momentarily reported that Azerbaijan had claimed it had emerged victorious in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, there seems to be a lot to still sort out before there can be a lasting cease-fire. Turkey
Second round of maritime-border talks between Israel, Lebanon Israel and Lebanon conducted a second round of mediated talks with the goal demarcating the maritime border between the two countries. Israel
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict tests Turkey’s hard power without diplomacy Can Ankara’s “coercive diplomacy” in the south Caucasus yield tangible diplomatic benefits in the long run? Turkey
