Turkish Nationalists Kingmakers in New Parliament
Turkey’s far-right Nationalist Movement Party now holds the balance of power in parliament.
Asia
Kurds Deny Turkey’s Ruling Party Majority
In a setback for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey’s ruling Islamist party loses its majority in parliament.
Blaming Sykes-Picot: A Dangerous Deception
Taken to its logical conclusion, the “artificial state” narratives leads to more violence, not less.
Russian S-300 Missile Sale Worries Iran’s Neighbors
Russia’s sale of advanced missile defenses to Iran raises the risk of an arms race in the Middle East.
Turkish Election Outcome Hinges on Kurdish Minority
A minority of Kurdish voters will decide if Recep Tayyip Erdoğan can make his presidency more powerful.
Fall of Ramadi Biggest Setback for Iraq in Year’s Time
The fall of Ramadi marks the biggest setback for Iraq’s central government since the group took Mosul.
Why India Still Can’t Let Go of Its Cold War Friend
Close relations with Russia are imperative if India is to offset Chinese influence in its neighborhood.
Syria Never Gave Up All Its Chemical Weapons
New evidence supports the contention that Syria only declared its outdated chemicals and lied about the rest.
Former Ruling Party Blocks India Tax Overhaul
Congress delays legislation that would have consolidated India’s various local and state taxes into one national levy.
Saudi King Skips Obama Summit, Embarrassing Ally
The Saudis aren’t convinced by the American’s assurances about his nuclear diplomacy with Iran.
Israel’s Netanyahu Secures One-Seat Majority for Coalition
Benjamin Netanyahu returns for a fourth term as prime minister but with the smallest possible majority.
Arabs, Turkey Coordinate Syrian War Efforts
American policy may have compelled the Arabs and Turks to set aside their differences in Syria.
Saudi King Seen Preparing Favorite Son for Power
Prince Mohammad now commands the desert kingdom’s two pillars of power: oil and weapons.
Israel’s Netanyahu Signs Deals with Centrist, Orthodox Parties
Israel’s hawkish prime minister is building his most right-wing government yet.
Saudi King Replaces Crown Prince, Foreign Minister
King Salman shakes up Saudi Arabia’s leadership three months after ascending the throne.