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
Advancing separatists could restore South Yemen There are now two rebellions against the internationally recognized government of Yemen: one by the Houthis in the north and a second by secessionists in the south who now have control of Aden. Saudi Arabia
Is Hamas setting up military force in Golan Heights? Israel has accused Hamas of working on setting up a military force in the Syrian Golan Heights at the request of Iran. Palestine
Palestinians wary of Israeli survey at Gaza border crossing The Israeli army has developed a survey for Palestinian travelers to fill out at the Erez crossing, in what some Palestinians argue is aimed at gathering intelligence information about the situation in Gaza. Palestine
Israel moves forward with gradual annexation of West Bank The latest proposal to apply Israeli law on West Bank higher education institutions is part of the settlers’ strategy to gradually annex Palestinian lands. Palestine
Why is Turkey so worried about border guards? A CIA-trained border force in northern Syria would mean the institutionalization and legitimization of a Kurdish-led military body on Turkey’s border. Syria
Tension keeps rising in Cairo over Turkey-Sudan island pact The Turkish-Sudanese deal over Suakin Island has sparked angry reactions to the possibility of Turkey building a military base on the island, posing a threat to Egypt’s national security. Egypt
Jerusalem's political orphans Israeli officials are making unilateral decisions about the fate and future of Palestinians living in East Jerusalem. Palestine
Israel sets the stage for further division of the West Bank There are signs that Israel is moving ahead with its plan to establish the E1 area aimed at breaking up the West Bank and expanding the Israeli borders of Jerusalem. Palestine
Iran, Turkey have own plans for Iraq's strategic Sinjar The Islamic State has been largely driven out of Iraq, but Turkey and Iran both remain intensely interested in certain areas. Iraq
Iraq’s intervention may change the equation in Syria's Kurdish regions The closure of the Fish Khabur and Rabia border crossings between Iraq and Syria may jeopardize the Kurdish federal project in northern Syria. Iraq
Syrian opposition 'interim government' takes control of Bab al-Salameh border crossing The Free Syrian Army has handed over the administration of the Bab al-Salameh border crossing with Turkey to the co-called Syrian Interim Government, in what could positively impact the opposition on many levels. Syria
Are Russia, Iran outflanking the US in Iraq? Russia deftly manages potentially choppy ties with Iran, while the United States claims Iran "subverting Iraq." Iraq
