Historic Boeing-IranAir deal at risk amid claims of IRGC use

Charges that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps may use Boeing jets in its operations put the US aircraft maker’s landmark deal with IranAir at risk.

United States

Syrian Kurds focused on federalism

The Iraqi Kurdistan independence referendum continues to make waves in Syria as the country's Kurds believe they can negotiate with the Syrian government to establish a federal state.

Iraq

Iran's media unconcerned with Iraq-Saudi Arabia rapprochement

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s recent trips to Saudi Arabia appear to have been coordinated to reduce Iran’s influence in Iraq, but Iranian media outlets do not seem concerned by the apparent Iraqi-Saudi Arabia rapprochement.

Saudi Arabia

US welcomes Kurdish backpedaling

The United States sees a way out of the political crisis between Baghdad and Erbil as the Kurdistan Regional Government offers to suspend the results of its independence referendum and open dialogue.

Iraq

Pentagon says Iraqi flight ban won’t impact US military assistance to Kurds

US arms are getting through to the peshmerga, but crucial aid contractors are getting held up.

Iraq

PLO steps up organizing efforts in Palestinian diaspora

The Palestinian reconciliation paved the way for the Palestinians in the diaspora to unite as PLO officials and ambassadors are actively working to revive the diaspora.

Palestine

Syrian Kurds in uproar over US jabs at PKK leader

Some Syrian Kurds are furious over US attempts to placate Turkey at the expense of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan, and their angry statements and videos are being shared widely via social media.

Syria

Turkey quietly concerned with Russia’s Kurdish policy

President Vladimir Putin’s idea for an all-Syria congress incorporating all ethnic groups has raised eyebrows in Ankara.

Syria

Anti-US rhetoric helps Erdogan build smokescreens

Years of anti-American propaganda help the Turkish president divert blame and discredit damaging news from the West — for example, anything incriminating that might emerge from high-profile cases in the United States involving Iran sanctions.

Turkey

Israel, US coordinated on settlement construction

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to be able to walk between the raindrops by approving hundreds of new housing units in the West Bank without upsetting the Americans.

Palestine

Can Netanyahu say 'no' to Trump?

Israeli right-wing ministers forced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reject a Palestinian reconciliation, even though the Trump administration is determined to support it.

Palestine

Are Russia, Iran outflanking the US in Iraq?

Russia deftly manages potentially choppy ties with Iran, while the United States claims Iran "subverting Iraq."

Iraq