As the Astana process seizes the initiative on Syria, the United States could put Israel-Lebanon shuttle diplomacy to the test on Hezbollah.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Putin, Erdogan, Rouhani extend circle of trust in Syria
Strikes on Syria look more like practice than punishment
Moscow and Washington are putting the best possible spin on the results of airstrikes on Syria, each seeking to be seen as the victor.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Strikes on Syria look more like practice than punishment
Qatar hires Trump-linked lobbyist ahead of emir’s visit
Doha is turning to well-connected Republican operatives amid an intra-Gulf spat.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Qatar hires Trump-linked lobbyist ahead of emir’s visit
US Syria effort hinges on unreliable Egypt
The Donald Trump administration has reportedly asked Egypt to contribute money and troops to the Syria fight even as President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has proven a challenging ally in battling the Islamic State at home.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: US Syria effort hinges on unreliable Egypt
Iran raises minimum wage in concession to workers
Iranian laborers are set to receive an almost 20% increase in the minimum wage in a concession from the authorities.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Iran raises minimum wage in concession to workers
Trouble brews as militants amass on Turkey's border
With evacuations from eastern Ghouta, the number of jihadis in Syrian territories controlled by Turkey has doubled, yet Turkey appears to be nonchalant regarding this threat.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Trouble brews as militants amass on Turkey's border
How will Sinjar crisis end as tensions mount between Baghdad, Ankara?
Ankara's insistence on combating the Kurdistan Workers Party may push Baghdad to take the lead on cleansing northern Iraq of the Kurdish militia, a scenario that presents a new internal crisis in Iraq's Kurdistan Region.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: How will Sinjar crisis end as tensions mount between Baghdad, Ankara?
Israeli Arabs torn on country’s Independence Day
Head of the Arab Joint List party Ayman Odeh explains that for Israeli Arabs, Independence Day is cause for mourning.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Israeli Arabs torn on country’s Independence Day
Iran condemns chemical weapons attacks, denies Syria’s role
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said that it was not logical for the Syrian army to use chemical weapons while it had the upper hand in the field of battle.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Iran condemns chemical weapons attacks, denies Syria’s role
Why Iran moved to unify dual exchange rates
Iran’s government was left with no choice but to resort to unifying the official and open market currency exchange rates to tame the rial's slide during a currency crisis, which has spurred some positive efforts.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Why Iran moved to unify dual exchange rates