Khabib Nurmagomedov is the first Russian to hold a UFC champion title, but there's more to it when it comes to the Middle East.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Is UFC champion Nurmagomedov 'new face' of Russian soft power in Mideast?
Putin can’t save Erdogan from Idlib quagmire
The Russian president ultimately sees Bashar al-Assad as the solution to Turkey’s border crisis, but is playing a long game.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Putin can’t save Erdogan from Idlib quagmire
Former PM Olmert: 'Netanyahu is finished'
In an exclusive Al-Monitor interview, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will fail to form a government after the Sept. 17 elections and will be cast aside by Likud before a third round of elections.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Former PM Olmert: 'Netanyahu is finished'
The bitter legacy of Turkey in Afrin
Afrinis fear the destruction of religious and historic sites, and ethnic cleansing in Turkish-controlled Afrin is helping in the resurgence of Islamic State and other al-Qaeda affiliated groups.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: The bitter legacy of Turkey in Afrin
Will Greenblatt’s resignation hurt Netanyahu?
Seniors in the Netanyahu government regret the resignation of US special envoy Jason Greenblatt, whom Jerusalem considers an ally within the Trump administration.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Will Greenblatt’s resignation hurt Netanyahu?
Hezbollah, Israel opt for de-escalation
Both the Lebanese Hezbollah movement and Israel seemed to be avoiding confrontation despite the latest round of violence.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Hezbollah, Israel opt for de-escalation
Palestinians see Greenblatt resignation as sign of failure for US Mideast vision
While most Palestinians believe the resignation of Jason Greenblatt is a sign of failure, some argue the Trump policy will not change.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Palestinians see Greenblatt resignation as sign of failure for US Mideast vision
Failure to reign in Idlib jihadists makes trouble for Turkey
A year after the Sochi agreement, the situation in Syria’s northwest remains as tense as ever.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Failure to reign in Idlib jihadists makes trouble for Turkey
Crisis-hit Turkey suffers erosion in investments
Turkey’s economic downturn has been marked by a dramatic decline in investments, both private and public, bearing heavily on joblessness.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Crisis-hit Turkey suffers erosion in investments
Sudan invites Jewish emigrants to return to the ‘pluralistic’ country
The newly appointed Sudanese minister of religious affairs called on Jewish people previously living in Sudan to return to the country. Nasr-Eddin Mofarah stressed that citizenship in Sudan is not
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Sudan invites Jewish emigrants to return to the ‘pluralistic’ country