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
Turkey's quest for EU visa waiver more likely to cause strife than progress Turkey has renewed efforts to get a visa waiver from the European Union, but the move could result in fresh tensions, as many in Europe remain incensed over Ankara’s human rights record. Turkey
Palestinians turn to Turkey The Palestinians are hopeful that Turkey’s promises of increased financial aid will make up for the losses resulting from the United States reducing its aid to UNRWA. Palestine
Iran's absence at Davos sparks speculation Following reports that he had canceled his trip, Iran’s Foreign Ministry claims Mohammad Javad Zarif never planned to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos this year. Iran
Congress acts to jump-start Jordan’s private sector A key House panel voted this week to establish an enterprise fund that Amman had previously resisted. Jordan
Jordan, PA unite forces with Israel to fight natural disasters Israel, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority and other countries participated in a two-day firefighting exercise to build a regional disaster response system, yet some Palestinians criticized the drills as increasing normalization with Israel. Palestine
Palestine takes its first step as Interpol member state Palestinian officials say that joining interpol will allow them to fight crime more efficiently, and reject claims that they will use membership to target Israeli officials. Palestine
Will Hamas surrender Qassam Brigades to Abbas? According to a Palestinian security source, there will be no reconciliation with Hamas unless the movement agrees to give up the army it has created in Gaza. Palestine
Hamas takes another step on path to Gaza handover The Palestinian government will be heading to the Gaza Strip to take over its responsibilities and overcome the challenges represented by the Gaza employees and security issues. Palestine
Gazans now complaining online Gaza residents can submit their grievances and questions to governing authorities and departments via an electronic complaints system. Palestine
Is Hamas offering too little too late? Hamas is willing to display flexibility in order to ease the heavy isolation it faces, but what its leaders view as a significant compromise is likely far from what Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is willing to accept. Palestine
Naguib Mahfouz to finally get his Palace of Desire Despite repeated promises, the Egyptian government has postponed the opening of a museum honoring the Nobel laureate — until now. Egypt
Erdogan hastens executive presidency with new decree Turkey's latest decree under a continued state of emergency grants the intelligence sector unprecedented influence in the military and government, while giving Erdogan full control in these areas. Turkey
