Pentagon fears Islamic State surge in Iraqi Kurdistan

The Donald Trump administration is concerned that the Islamic State could take advantage of ongoing disputes between Iraq’s government and Kurdish authorities to gain refuge in the war-torn country.

Iraq

Jordan Valley annexation — Netanyahu’s desperate last card

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he would annex the Jordan Valley after the elections. He hopes this announcement will sideline unpleasant issues for him, such as the police investigation or a possible Trump-Rouhani meeting.

Palestine

Iran denies secret nuclear weapons site, says Netanyahu 'cries wolf'

Tehran has denied the Israeli prime minister's claims about a purported nuclear site in central Iran, saying the allegation is part of a campaign to ignite a war against the Islamic Republic.

Israel

Pentagon says it’s 'on time' with Syria safe zone despite questions

The Pentagon said Monday it is "on time" or ahead of schedule in most areas of setting up a safe zone in Syria after initial patrols with Turkish troops over the weekend, despite lingering questions about the size and depth of the area.

Syria

Joint US-Turkish patrols begin in north Syria amid Kurdish concerns

Turkish and US troops have begun joint ground patrols in the area of Tell Abyad, the first time Turkish troops crossed into the US-protected and Kurdish-administered zone.

Syria

Why does Erdogan want nuclear weapons?

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has for the first time made his nuclear ambitions public, arguing that it is unacceptable for Turkey to not have nuclear weapons while other countries do.

Israel

Putin can’t save Erdogan from Idlib quagmire

The Russian president ultimately sees Bashar al-Assad as the solution to Turkey’s border crisis, but is playing a long game.

Syria

Palestinians see Greenblatt resignation as sign of failure for US Mideast vision

While most Palestinians believe the resignation of Jason Greenblatt is a sign of failure, some argue the Trump policy will not change.

Palestine

Will Greenblatt’s resignation hurt Netanyahu?

Seniors in the Netanyahu government regret the resignation of US special envoy Jason Greenblatt, whom Jerusalem considers an ally within the Trump administration.

Palestine

US waives human rights rules to send military aid to Egypt

The State Department has authorized the release of $1.3 billion in aid to Egypt despite human rights concerns from US lawmakers, Al-Monitor has learned.

Egypt

As Trump mulls Iran diplomacy, Mnuchin plays more visible role

As US President Donald Trump mulls Iran diplomacy, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is playing a more visible role.

United States

Iran set for 'extraordinary' breach of nuclear deal commitments

Iran says it is gearing up to take a crucial step toward further reducing its compliance with the nuclear deal, as officials see no immediate tangible outcome from talks with the European signatories to the accord.

United States