Turkish Islamists’ trial with sectarianism

Turkish Islamists’ Middle Eastern vision did not begin with a sectarian outlook, but the existing sectarian tension may change this.

Turkey

Iranian youth join wave of ecotourism

Iranian youths, particularly those from affluent backgrounds, join the growing trend of ecotourism, roaming the country’s vast desert, mountains and forests.

Iran

Will Iran’s next Oscar-winning film be in Spanish?

Oscar-winning Iranian director Asghar Farhadi’s latest project will be a Spanish-language film featuring power couple Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem.

Iran

Why does Rouhani suddenly want to 'rename' Iran’s currency?

The Hassan Rouhani administration’s push for currency reform is being met with criticism as economists say the Iranian economy is not yet ready to handle the potential dangers of a redenomination.

Iran

Obama administration, allies try to buy time for Iran nuclear deal

In its final weeks, the Obama administration and its European allies are trying to convince the emerging Trump team that the deal is working.

United States

Iranian media lauds Putin's restraint after assassination

Following the assassination of Russia’s ambassador to Turkey, Iranian newspapers praised President Vladimir Putin for his “wise” decisions after the killing.

Syria

Why Aleppo will serve to embolden Iran

While having paid a steep price for standing by its regional allies, Iran increasingly appears to be achieving its objectives in Syria.

Syria

Can Rouhani’s Citizens’ Rights Charter be enforced?

After three years, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has unveiled one of his most important campaign promises — but his Citizens' Rights Charter has not escaped criticism.

Iran

Animosity toward Iran reaches fever pitch in Turkey after Aleppo

Agitation against predominantly Shiite Iran by Sunni Islamists has resulted in calls for attacks on Turkey’s Alevis for vengeance.

Turkey

PMU seeks to secure Iraq-Syria border

The Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Units have requested to take control of the Iraqi-Syrian border, which raises concerns about Iran's interference in Syria.

Iraq

Thousands flee Aleppo as regime regains control

Three years after the opposition took control of Aleppo’s eastern neighborhoods, the Syrian regime’s army, with the help of foreign militias, entered the city and began evacuating civilians to the city’s countryside.

Syria

The remilitarization of Iran's Basij

The Iranian supreme leader’s recent string of new appointments in the upper echelons of the country’s military suggests an impending remilitarization of the Basij.

Iran