In Lebanon, Saudi Arabia pursues quiet diplomacy as Trump pushes Israel normalization Saudi Arabia has been engaged in intense diplomacy in Lebanon in recent days, leading up to the extension of a ceasefire with Israel. Lebanon
Which airlines are cutting flights amid Hormuz fuel disruption? European and Asian airlines have been most impacted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is throttling jet fuel supplies. Iran
Trump envoy Barrack’s embrace of 'strong leaders' sparks fury in Turkey Turkish opposition members say envoy Tom Barrack’s remarks praising “strong leaders” and monarchies undermine Turkey’s democratic tradition and embolden President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey
Interview Olmert: Only Israel-Lebanon deal can curb Hezbollah, occupation 'unviable' Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Al-Monitor that Israel will only be able to defang Hezbollah if it reaches an agreement with the Lebanese government.
Analysis As Lebanon-Israel talks begin, can Rubio press Netanyahu into ceasefire? By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
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
Will AKP-linked biker gang scuttle a Berlin-Ankara rapprochement? During the current row with the United States, Turkish leaders have rediscovered their love for the European Union, particularly Germany, but the illegal activities of the Osmanen Germania Biker Club in Germany and its ties to the Ankara government could complicate efforts to improve relations. Turkey
Cairo, Rome carefully repair relations two years after researcher's murder The Italian foreign minister’s recent visit to Egypt revived diplomatic relations between Cairo and Rome following the long, heated dispute over the slaying of Italian postgraduate student Giulio Regeni. Egypt
US reimposes sanctions as Iran deal crumbles With the Donald Trump administration set to reimpose Iran sanctions after exiting the nuclear deal, it’s looking less and less likely the rest of the world can salvage the accord. United States
Is Russia a better fit than the EU to help relieve Iran from sanctions? While Iran would prefer EU help when it comes to relief from US sanctions, Moscow might be better suited to this role than Europeans. United States
EU condemns Israel's new nationality law The European Union is concerned by Israel's new law defining a Jewish nation-state, protesting that it is discriminatory and will hinder a two-state solution. Palestine
Palestinians pin hopes on Irish efforts against Israeli imports Palestinians are hoping an Irish bill that would ban imports of products from occupied territories will help launch a unified European stance against Israeli settlements. Palestine
