Israelis, Palestinians prepare for next US president

While the Palestinians prepare different strategies depending on the candidate who wins the US election, the Israelis plan to stick with the same approach in either case.

Palestine

Iraqi militias aspire to be like Iran’s Revolutionary Guards

Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units consider themselves as an "alternative" state institution, like the IRGC; Russia-Turkey "reset" stumbles on Syria; United States and Russia need to conclude agreement on Syria.

Iraq

US elections 2016: Why we shouldn’t count Trump out

Here’s what happened on the campaign trail the week of Aug. 15.

United States

Why are Turks disposing of $1 bills?

The discovery of $1 bills on Turkish soldiers involved in the July 15 putsch suggest the greenback has been used as a secret code of communication.

Turkey

What are Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units doing in Beirut?

A leader of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) talks to Al-Monitor about talks held in Beirut Aug. 8-11, behind the scenes and away from the media spotlights, between a Western diplomatic delegation and 12 people representing the leadership of the PMU.

Iraq

US says Russian use of Iran base unhelpful but won’t derail Syria talks

The United States said Russia’s use of an Iranian air base to fly long-range bombers to conduct airstrikes in Syria was unhelpful, but would not derail negotiations to reach a deal on Syria.

Russia

Why Israel won't admit success of nuke agreement

The Israeli government can't admit that the nuclear agreement with Iran is being successfully implemented or Israel itself might have to face similar requirements.

Israel

Iranian military official: We will 'uproot' Jabhat al-Nusra

Jabhat al-Nusra's rebranding as independent of its parent organization al-Qaeda has not raised eyebrows in Tehran, where officials say only the group’s name has changed.

Saudi Arabia

US election 2016: Can either candidate have a good week?

Here's what happened on the campaign trail the week of Aug. 8.

Syria

Confiscated $2 billion could spell legal trouble for Ahmadinejad

After Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wrote a letter to Barack Obama asking for the return of $2 billion, Hassan Rouhani asked the judiciary to investigate why the funds belonging to Iran were never pulled out of the United States.

United States

Ahmadinejad wants Obama to give back Iran’s $2 billion

Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has written US President Barack Obama another letter.

United States

Was Israel's Iran deal-Nazi agreement comparison step too far?

Amid an effort to quickly conclude a US military aid deal, the Israeli Defense Ministry issued a statement comparing US President Barack Obama to Neville Chamberlin and the Iranian deal to the Munich Agreement.

Israel