Penalties loom as lawyer for Turkey's Halkbank delays US court proceedings

Turkey’s state-owned Halkbank may face financial penalties and further political blowback after once again refusing to recognize criminal charges in a New York court this week.

Turkey

Turkey faces uphill battle to improve image after Syria operation

The Turkish president is maintaining his hard line, which indicates that Ankara’s ties with the international community will remain strained.

Syria

US approves financial aid for White Helmets mission in Syria

The United States is providing $4.5 million in aid to the Syria Civil Defense in opposition-held areas to support the group's role in helping victims and their families.

Syria

Tulsi Gabbard lays groundwork to force divisive vote on Syria withdrawal

Presidential hopeful Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, could trigger a House vote forcing President Donald Trump to withdraw US troops from Syria — but it’s dividing the anti-war movement.

Syria

Ankara faces hostility in north Syria as Turkish-Russian patrols continue

Crowds threw stones and eggs at Turkish-Russian convoys as they entered the predominantly Kurdish town of Kobani in northern Syria.

Syria

Trump defender Dershowitz signs on as lobbyist for Israeli billionaire accused of looting Africa

The civil liberties lawyer is close to both US and Israeli leaders.

Israel

Is the PKK worried by the YPG's growing popularity?

The PKK, known for its hierarchical nature and its discipline, may be displeased by the growing global visibility of the Syrian YPG.

Syria

Will 2020 candidates' calls to condition Israeli military aid spark public debate?

The calls of Democrats Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren to condition US security aid to Israel on changes of policy could alienate the Israeli public but could also trigger a useful public debate and even revingorate Israel's security industry.

Palestine

National security officials fear White House reversal on Syria

As a residual US troop presence arrives in Syria, some Donald Trump administration officials are worried that the president himself may once again reverse his decision to leave troops in the country.

Syria

Iran announces newly installed centrifuges

Iran has announced more progress on its nuclear program beyond what was stipulated in the nuclear deal.

United States

Does Baghdadi’s death herald the end of IS?

The Islamic State is unlikely to disintegrate after losing its leader as the factors that have driven the worldwide membership and activities of the group remain in place.

Iraq

Where the Russia-Turkey deal leaves players on the ground

The initial glow of the Putin-Erdogan deal has faded, and the parties are now in for some on-the-ground challenges.

Syria