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
EU's critical report on Turkey draws criticism itself Turkey has an oddly mild reaction to a bruising report from the European Commission. Turkey
Erdogan vows to continue global manhunt for Gulen affiliates Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has told supporters that his government will not stop pursuing those it claims are responsible for the 2016 failed coup attempt despite criticism and anger over unauthorized seizures of individuals and their forced repatriation to Turkey. Turkey
The EU’s plans to save Gaza European diplomats say that the European Union is now preparing a set of proposed moves to calm down tensions in the Gaza Strip and avoid a violent Palestinian outbreak at the end of President Mahmoud Abbas' era. Palestine
Does Israel need France more than France needs Israel? Meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu preferred to focus on common battles rather than preserving the nuclear deal with Iran, the main mission for Le Drian's visit. Israel
Latest Turkey-EU talks end with no progress The latest high-level attempt to normalize Turkish-EU ties has again failed to produce any results as both sides are steadfast in their demands. Turkey
Iran rejects French FM's call to curb missile program The French foreign minister seemingly failed to persuade Iranian officials to negotiate over their country’s missile program. Iran
Upcoming summit unlikely to restart Turkey’s EU progress For pragmatic considerations, the European Union could offer a new kind of partnership for Turkey to keep it tethered to Europe without making it a full member. Turkey
Europe starts preparing Mideast peace initiative The one-sided decision by the United States to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem in May opens the way for a European Mideast peace initiative. Palestine
Turkey wants to criminalize adultery Upon instructions from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Justice Ministry is working on new legislation outlawing adultery. Turkey
Europe wants Egypt to drop death penalty The European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the Egyptian government's use of the death penalty, but authorities seem unlikely to comply. Egypt
Will EU propose new Mideast initiative? The European Union hopes that minor additions to the Iran nuclear deal might pave the way for greater dialogue with the Trump administration on Iran and the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Palestine
Can Europe save the Palestinian Authority? Threats by President Donald Trump to cut assistance to the Palestinians could lead to opening the door to the European Union in the diplomatic as well as economic realm of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestine
