Syria's draft constitution: Separation of powers, territorial unity and Islamic jurisprudence After more than a week of uncertainty amid violent clashes and Israeli strikes, Syria's interim president has signed a constitutional declaration. Syria
US green lights $95 million in aid for Lebanon’s army The Trump administration made an exception to its foreign assistance freeze for a $95 million aid package headed to Lebanon's armed forces. Lebanon
Canceled Syrian justice workshop sparks repression fears: What to know Syrian civil society organizations condemned the sudden cancelation of a planned workshop on transitional justice in Damascus, calling it an act of oppression reminiscent of the Assad era. Syria
Lebanon’s government wins confidence vote ahead of Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia The Lebanese parliament gave their backing to the new government's ministerial statement, which excluded acknowledgement of Hezbollah, days before President Aoun is set to visit Saudi Arabia. Lebanon
Interview NATO deepens engagement with Iraq as US prepares to withdraw Commander of NATO Mission Iraq Lucas Schreurs
As Iraqi army retreats to borders, local police controls cities' security As the security situation improves in Iraq, the Iraqi army is handing security of the cities to the local police. Iraq
The (de-)evolution of Turkey's Foreign Ministry Career diplomats and Foreign Ministry bureaucrats have been shoved aside and demoralized by the conduct of Turkey's foreign policy under Justice and Development Party governments. Turkey
Egypt launches international academy for preachers, imams Egypt’s Ministry of Endowments opened an international academy to train preachers and imams with the aim of renewing religious discourse and eliminating extremism. Egypt
Iran’s Reformists under pressure to clean house amid criticism of leadership Harsh criticism of the Reformist camp has led to soul-searching among its members, with institutional reform on the horizon. Iran
Turkey’s paid exemption from military service system begins Will the new paid military service waiver program be Turkey’s last? Turkey
Will Iran’s Reformists succeed in gathering all factions under one roof? Iranian Reformists are gathering forces to form a new assembly. But while some think it could be a chance for a democratic entity to represent the movement, others argue that Reformists need to reconnect with society rather than forming new bodies. Iran
Population growth in Iraq raises concerns Iraq's population is steadily growing, raising concerns about a future economic crisis and the government's inability to provide basic services to citizens. Iraq
Iraq launches social fund to fight poverty In cooperation with the World Bank, Iraq has launched a social welfare project to assist unemployed and impoverished Iraqis. Iraq
Syria’s al-Bab opens first Turkish-backed DMV Turkey has backed the establishment of a department of motor vehicles in al-Bab in the Euphrates Shield area, where all vehicles will be registered and inspected to ensure road safety. Syria
Russia eyes deeper economic engagement in Libya Moscow hopes to play a growing role in Libya’s economy, health-care system and educational programs. Libya
Former Brotherhood official hopes new initiative will bridge Egypt's social rifts Former spokesman for the Muslim Brotherhood, Kamal Halbawi, has launched an initiative to mend the social rift in Egypt. Will it be successful? Egypt
Egypt seeks Arab League seat for controversial South Sudan For the first time since it seceded from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has publicly declared its desire to join the Arab League. Egypt
