Analysis LORA missile test reveals limits of Germany’s Gaza criticism of Israel The German navy tested Israel’s LORA ballistic missile as Berlin considers acquiring the system, deepening defense ties with Israel despite criticism of the Gaza war. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Israel, Greece sign $3.5 billion air-defense deal: What to know Against the backdrop of growing tensions with Turkey, Israel signed one of its largest-ever defense industry deals to supply Greece with advanced air defense systems. Israel
Analysis Israel’s Lebanon dilemma: Confront Hezbollah without angering Trump, triggering Iran Israeli sources point out that the pilot project for Israel's withdrawal and the Lebanese military taking control over the area is not working because of the government's reluctance to search for Hezbollah's weapons in private homes. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Top European court says Kavala case exposes erosion of judicial independence in Turkey Europe's top human rights court has renewed its call for Turkey to immediately release jailed philanthropist Osman Kavala, saying his imprisonment reflects a broader “systemic problem” over independence and impartiality of the judiciary. 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
Doubts surround Turkey’s efforts to revive its EU membership bid A Western diplomat says Ankara is unlikely to enact democratic reforms that would ease President Erdogan’s grip on power. Turkey
Egypt joins with EU to protect water security Egypt is tackling its water crisis in cooperation with the European Union, which has pledged to finance irrigation-development projects and improve the country's water management system. Egypt
