Analysis Will Pashinyan’s victory in Armenia be enough to unlock peace with Turkey, Azerbaijan? Armenia’s election result strengthens Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, but his push to normalize ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan still faces major political and constitutional hurdles. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Azerbaijan envoy hits raw nerve with reminder of Baku’s sway on Turkey-Armenia ties Baku’s ambassador says borders with Armenia will remain closed until Yerevan changes its constitution, hardening positions just weeks before a pivotal Armenian election seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s peace agenda with Turkey and Azerbaijan. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Somaliland's first ambassador to Israel announces embassy in Jerusalem: What to know Israel was the first country to recognize the breakaway region on the Horn of Africa last year. Israel
New Turkey maritime draft bill fuels EastMed tensions with Greece, Cyprus Turkey’s draft maritime bill seeks to formalize Ankara’s claims in the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean and Black seas, raising tensions with Greece and Cyprus over contested maritime boundaries and offshore energy rights. Turkey
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
