Explainer Israel's Armenian genocide recognition marks new front against Turkey Analysts say the expected vote for recognition is not morally motivated, but intended to spite the Turkish leader. Israel
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran insists on right to control shipping in Strait of Hormuz Supreme Court backs Trump move to end Syrians’ deportation protections; Lebanon cancels national high school exams; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Vance turning us into 'punching bag': Israel fumes over alleged IRGC-CENTCOM channel in Doha The US-Iran decision to launch direct talks between the IRGC and CENTCOM in Qatar deepens the rift between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while heightening Israeli fears that Washington is shifting toward Doha and Tehran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Trump hints at F-35 breakthrough with Turkey ahead of NATO summit The administration is moving ahead with planned jet engine sales to Ankara ahead of next month’s NATO summit despite congressionally mandated sanctions on Turkey's defense industry. Turkey
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Rubio courts GCC support on Iran deal as UAE warns over Hormuz By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US-Iran technical talks set to resume next week By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Congress, State Department divided on sanctions against Turkey While Congress has bipartisan support for sanctions against Turkey, the State Department is pushing back, demanding that newly established consultative mechanisms to normalize relations between the NATO allies be given time. Turkey
Palestinians plan their own event to mark US Embassy move The Palestinians might prefer an "alternative ceremony" to the relocation of the US Embassy to Jerusalem, instead of the usual rage days. Palestine
US commander says Iraq sovereignty provides ‘legal basis’ for Syria presence The Pentagon’s top commander in the Middle East told lawmakers today that protecting Iraq’s sovereignty provides the “legal basis” for US involvement in Syria. Iraq
US ambassador to Israel lobbies in favor of settlers US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman acts more like an ambassador of the settlers vis-a-vis the Trump administration. Palestine
Jordan and Turkey get cozy Jordan and Turkey are boosting political, trade and economic ties amid regional challenges and shared interests in the outcome of nearby conflicts. Saudi Arabia
Success of US-funded Israeli missile defense system sparks interest in use inside America The United States has spent half a billion dollars developing Israel’s battle-tested Arrow 3 system, but its adoption for US use faces several obstacles. Israel
Russia, US could be headed for collision in Syria Neither Russia nor the United States seems interested in escalating tension with each other in Syria, but the situation might push them in that direction. Syria
Israel builds new wall at Lebanon’s southern border Tension is rising on the Lebanese southern border, where Israel has started building a wall, despite UNIFIL’s reassurances that the situation there is under control. Israel
Satterfield’s shuttle diplomacy may offer diplomatic opening for Syria Is there more to the talks about Block 9? Success of UN Security Council cease-fire depends on definition of "terrorist." Israel
KRG intelligence chief: Baghdad must give us our rights Masrour Barzani, the son of former Kurdistan Regional Government President Massoud Barzani, talks about the Kurds' thinking behind the Sept. 25 independence referendum and about what may happen next. Iraq
Iranian interference in Iraqi election stirs anger among Iraqis With the upcoming Iraqi elections in May, Iranians have stepped up their actions to manage their alliances in Iraq to ensure the continuity of their influence. Iraq
Pentagon partners with Germany on Tunisia border security The Pentagon is sending nearly $20 million in high-tech help to the North African country as civil war rages in neighboring Libya. Libya