Assad’s departure still non-starter for Putin

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s comment on "orderly" transition could offer a face-saving spark for Syria political talks; Hezbollah’s No. 2 disavows "ambitions" in Syria; did Iran benefit from US missile strike? Sistani seeks restraints on Iraqi armed groups looking to fight in Syria.

Iraq

Shiite militias prepare for education 'revolution' in Iraq

Shiite militias within Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) are attempting to establish separate PMU universities, which some see as an attempt to bring Iranian influence to Iraq.

Iraq

How Iran-Israel conflict has played out beyond political realm

The tension between Iran and Israel has frequently extended to the cultural and sports sphere, with the only Iranian Oscar winner and other prominent Iranians finding themselves in the spotlight over exchanges with Israelis.

Iran

Iranian government confronts Telegram as election approaches

Iranian authorities are scrambling to gain control of the messaging app Telegram ahead of the presidential elections, blocking channels by the thousands only to see new ones take their place.

Iran

At US competition, Iranian law students 'surprised' by reception

With the visa ban on hold, a moot court competition brought seven Iranian law students to Washington to debate topical issues, sharpen their skills and meet real Americans.

United States

Is Saudi Arabia really willing to normalize ties with Iraq?

Despite some progress in Saudi-Iraqi ties, further improvement is hindered by Iranian influence in Iraq and Baghdad's inability to control Shiite militias.

Legacy: Gulf

Ahmadinejad is running for president in Iran ... again

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the unpredictable former Iranian president, has shocked everyone by registering to run for president against the supreme leader’s “advice" not to.

Iran

Is Israel prepared for all missile threats?

Israel's now-operational David Sling’s medium-range missile defense system, along with the rest of its arsenal, should assist the country in protecting itself against any coordinated attack by Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Iran.

Palestine

Will US missile strike shift Iran-Russia partnership in Syria?

The US military strike on a Syrian air base has created room at the table for more Russian and Iranian cooperation in Syria as the last allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad standing.

Syria

Iranian conservative coalition at risk of collapse

As Iran approaches its May 19 presidential vote, conservative candidates continue to show no indication of being ready to withdraw in favor of the leading contender of the camp.

Iran

Ankara welcomes US action in Syria, but doubts remain

Opinion in Turkey is divided after Washington’s missile strike on Syria, reflecting a mix of enthusiasm, wishful thinking and realism.

Syria

Is Iran the real winner in US-Russia spat?

The main winner of the US missile attack on Syria appears to be Iran, as Russia is yet again left with no other partner in the war-torn country.

Syria