Al-Monitor Daily Briefing: Raqqa win pulls US deeper into Syria conflict

[logo]( [fb_icon]( [twitter_icon]( EDITOR'S PICKS Wednesday, October 18 | Daily Briefing [By: Jack Detsch on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017]( 1 [Raqqa win pulls US deeper into Syria conflict]( The fall of the Islamic State capital could put the US military on a collision course with Assad. Turkey 2 [Turkey's return riles Syria: It's 'blatant aggression']( Turkey's army has entered Syrian territory ostensibly to implement and ensure a de-escalation zone near Idlib, but some wonder what else the military might have in mind. Israel 3 [Israel should practice what it preaches to the Palestinians]( Instead of risking a three-front war with its current policy of settlement expansion, Israel would do better if its leaders followed through on previous peace initiatives and the commitments it has made in negotiations with the Palestinians. Palestine 4 [How will Hamas’ new deputy head influence events?]( The election of Saleh al-Arouri as deputy head of Hamas’ political bureau reflects a shift in the movement toward leaders with strong local ties in the Palestinian territories. Egypt 5 [Egyptian doctors, therapists explore healing powers of music]( Though new and experimental treatments are slow to be adopted in Egypt, some medical professionals see great potential in music therapy. 6 [Iran denies role in recapture of Kirkuk]( Iranian officials and media throw their support behind the Iraqi government’s operation to retake Kirkuk, but deny that the IRGC played any role. Turkey 7 [Will Turkish-Iraqi alliance against Kurds hold?]( Ankara is happy that the Baghdad government has regained control over Kirkuk, but questions remain whether Turkey and Iraq can agree on the city’s future status. Israel 8 [Israel's center-left fears opposing Netanyahu on Iran]( The center-left's flaccid leadership on security and diplomatic issues is once again on display, with pronouncements in line with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's agenda. Palestine 9 [Palestinian farmers go global to claim their rights]( Palestine will witness the birth of the first movement of farmers in the Arab world, which will advocate the rights of Palestinian farmers before Arab, regional and international institutions. Egypt 10 [Arabs campaign to keep Israel from gaining foothold in Africa]( After Togo postponed the African-Israel Summit, Arab efforts continue to permanently cancel the event. Israel 11 [Israel may regret hasty UNESCO exit]( Israel reacted quickly to the US announcement that it was pulling out of UNESCO with one of its own, potentially forfeiting an opportunity to shore up its international presence. STAY CONNECTED [fb_icon_footer]( [twitter_icon_footer]( [instagram_icon_footer]( [rss_icon_footer]( CONTACT US [Support & Contact]( [Advertise](mailto:advertise@al-monitor.com) NEWSLETTERS [Subscribe]( TERMS OF USE [Visitor Agreement]( [Privacy Policy]( © 2017 Al-Monitor. All Rights Reserved. If you no longer wish to receive these emails you may [unsubscribe or manage your preferences]( at any time. Al-Monitor · 1850 K St NW · Suite 1225 · Washington, DC 20006 · USA