Middle East churches, Al-Azhar, leaders mourn Pope Francis Pope Francis was praised by several regional leaders and churches, including Lebanon's Maronite Church and Iraqi officials, who noted his historic visit to Iraq in 2021. Lebanon
Analysis UAE hedges against global economic volatility with EU trade agreement The UAE is doubling down on bilateral free trade agreements as it hedges against economic headwinds fueled by the United States' universal tariff policy. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
France expels 12 Algerian diplomats in tit-for-tat escalation Paris decided to retaliate symmetrically after the expulsion on Monday of 12 of its diplomats from Algeria. Algeria
Analysis France recalibrates Turkey ties as east Med dynamics shift: What to know After years of strain between France and Turkey, the two countries seem to be seeking rapprochement on regional issues. By Jonathan Fenton-Harvey In London, reporting on North Africa and Gulf politics
EU says it’s premature for Syria to rejoin Arab League Egypt's efforts to bring Syria back into the Arab League while the country remains unstable are raising concerns in the EU. Egypt
EU, Turkey face off over jailed Kurdish politician Europe’s top human rights court ordered Turkey to free Selahattin Demirtas, a popular Kurdish politician held for two years for his speeches. In an interview before the ruling, he said the European Union is defending its own values by speaking out for him. Turkey
Have relations between Turkey and Europe reached a turning point? The decision by the European Court of Human Rights on a jailed Kurdish leader might be marking a turning point in ties between Turkey and the European Union. Turkey
What's behind Europe’s outreach to Erdogan? Europe’s acceptance of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as an interlocutor is driven by Turkey’s continuing strategic importance rather than any reflection on its president. Saudi Arabia
Terror plot accusations undermine Iran-Europe engagement at worst possible time Iran’s alleged involvement in bomb and assassination plots in Europe is putting pressure on the Rouhani administration as well as on Iranian engagement with Europe more broadly. Iran
Turkey, Russia seek European input on Syria settlement The heads of four nations gathered in Istanbul last week, all seeking to promote their countries' own national interests in Syria. But it's unclear if they'll eventually be able to negotiate a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis that Damascus will accept. Syria
Erdogan scores points in his foreign policy gamble Turkish President Erdogan scores major diplomatic points from the Khashoggi case to the quadrilateral summit in Istanbul. Saudi Arabia
Is Erdogan aiming to end Turkey’s dream of EU membership? Calling for a referendum on whether Ankara should end its bid for EU membership could shore up domestic political support for Erdogan ahead of crucial local elections in March 2019. Turkey
Erdogan in Germany: A controversial but successful visit Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Germany has been an achievement as he managed to return to Turkey without committing himself to improve the human rights and democracy record of his country while getting what he wanted. Turkey
Erdogan scores diplomatic wins in meetings with Putin, Merkel Despite negative portrayals of President Erdogan, he has been successful in his recent diplomatic efforts. Syria
