Middle Orient

Why Tehran Crosses Only 'Pink Lines'

Talk to any senior European Union official and you are sure to hear the Islamic Republic in Iran designated as “a threat to regional stability.” German Chancellor Angela Merkel endorses Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu’s assessment of Iranian behavior as “unacceptable.”

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Lifting the veil: Israel’s new military strategy in Syria

After years of ambiguity, Israel is increasingly going public with its strikes on Syria. Retaliatory attacks carried out last week were conducted in broad daylight, a rare occurrence. In contrast to prior strikes, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) immediately took responsibility for the attacks and announced them in real time …

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Jordan Will Not Take Over or Monitor al-Tanf Base After US Withdrawal – FM

Jordan is not going to take over or monitor the US military base in the eastern Syrian al-Tanf area, located on the country’s border with Jordan, after Washington withdraws troops from Syria, since the facility is situated outside Jordan, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told Sputnik in an interview.

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Turkey Warns It's Ready for Strike Against Syrian YPG

Turkey claims its military preparations for a cross-border operation into Syria against a Kurdish militia are complete. Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar made the announcement Tuesday. “When the time comes, the necessary actions will be taken both in Manbij and east of the Euphrates,” Akar said during a visit to …

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Turkey: Imprisoning Dissidents while Bidding for EU Membership

At a rally in Ankara over the summer, held by the women’s branch of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced: "From now on, there will be no fight for freedom of faith, freedom of thought and freedom of opinion. Everyone will be free …

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