Turkey eyes offshore energy pact with Syria in 2026 amid East Med isolation Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has offered up details on a deal with Syria that could unsettle regional rivals in the gas-rich Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey
Analysis France seeks to bolster Lebanon's army through UNIFIL coordination, donor conference France believes that the key to stabilizing the region is bolstering the Lebanese military so it can regain control over the south of the country. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Germany makes first deportation to Syria since 2011: What to know There are roughly 1 million Syrians in Germany, most of whom fled there during the country’s civil war. Syria
Italy pledges to maintain troops in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL withdrawal Italy plays a crucial role in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, with an Italian leading its command and the country contributing over 1,000 troops to the mission. Lebanon
Analysis Israel likely to strike Iran in 2026, European diplomats say By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Turkey denounces 'psychological war' as Western consulates close Turkey has summoned ambassadors from nine countries after a number of diplomatic missions temporarily shut their doors amid a growing terror threat level. Turkey
Senator Van Hollen says no F-16s for Turkey if Sweden, Finland not admitted to NATO The Democratic senator also discussed concerns about Israel’s new government, China’s inroads in the Gulf and more at the Al-Monitor PRO event. Turkey
Israel's Netanyahu to meet Macron in Paris amid Iran tension Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to travel to Paris on Thursday to meet with the French leader. Israel
After Sweden, tension on Islam between Europe and Middle East hits dangerous crossroad By Gilles Kepel
Saudi Arabia leads Middle East's luxury property buyers in London The Middle East made up some of the top buyers of London luxury real estate in late 2022, only falling behind European and UK buyers. By Salim A. Essaid
Is 'Jihadi terror' in Europe coming back with a vengeance? Despite initial fears, terror attacks have been limited in scope since the beginning of the decade, when compared to IS days. By Gilles Kepel
Even after the 'visa war,' the bad and the ugly lingers between EU, Global South Continuing immigration pressures complicate relations for both aging Europe and the nations to the south and east with booming populations. North Africa
Turkey calls for more action, not words, from Sweden Turkey's foreign minister has told his Swedish counterpart that while Ankara welcomes the steps Sweden has taken to get Turkey’s nod for NATO membership, they are not even “halfway” toward fulfilling Stockholm's commitments. Turkey
Iraqi PM stresses need for regional reconciliation at summit in Jordan Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani attended the second round of the Baghdad conference today in Jordan and expressed Iraq's willingness to push forward on regional cooperation and partnership. Iraq
Sweden’s top court blocks extradition of journalist sought by Turkey Though Ankara has an ever-growing list of extradition demands for Sweden, journalist Bulent Kenes was the only one explicitly named as a condition for Turkey’s ratification of the NATO’s Nordic expansion. Turkey
Iran sanctions French carmakers Peugeot, Renault and Citroen all do considerable business in Iran. The move follows new European Union sanctions against Iran in relation to the anti-government protests in the country. Iran
Iran warns Germany over crackdown criticism The Islamic Republic was unsettled by international criticism over its suppression of nearly two months of protests, with its security forces now attacking people dancing in defiance of theocratic rules. Iran
