Al-Monitor Daily Briefing: Europe might step in, if Trump's Mideast initiative fails

[logo]( [fb_icon]( [twitter_icon]( EDITOR'S PICKS Monday, December 11 | Daily Briefing [By: Uri Savir on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017]( Israel 1 [Europe might step in, if Trump's Mideast initiative fails]( If the Middle East initiative of US President Donald Trump fails, French President Emmanuel Macron could launch his own initiative for a two-state solution in 2018. Russia / Mideast 2 [Moscow’s leverage in Syria is strong, but limited]( Many believe Russia aims to be the ringmaster of the Syrian show, but currently Moscow is walking a tightrope tethered between opposing forces. Iraq 3 [As calls for disbanding Iraq's PMU rise, their influence expands]( The voices of Iraq's Western allies are rising against the Popular Mobilization Units, demanding the dissolution of these forces, while the PMU is expanding its influence in the Iraqi state, making Prime Minister Haider al-Abbadi face tough choices. Palestine 4 [Islamic Jihad comes under fire for allegedly undermining reconciliation]( While Fatah's Central Committee member Azzam al-Ahmad lashed out at the Islamic Jihad and Iran, the movement denied the accusation of hindering the reconciliation. Iran 5 [Iranian media workers warn of ‘death of independent journalism’]( As the Rouhani administration moves to change media laws, it faces a wave of accusations that it seeks to end independent journalism. Turkey 6 [#MeToo movement is stillborn in Turkey]( The #MeToo movement has focused on violence in Turkey with significant support, but the attackers are neither named nor punished, and sexual misconduct is still a taboo subject, so its victims often suffer alone in shame. Iraq 7 [After decades of suppression, Baha'is celebrate publicly in Baghdad]( Baha'is are celebrating a religious event publicly in Baghdad for the first time in their history in Iraq, as they gathered to commemorate the bicentennial of the birth of Baha’i faith founder Baha'u'llah. 8 [US elite troop training in Iraq lags after Mosul]( The United States and its allies aren’t training elite counterterrorism forces fast enough to replace the losses incurred in the brutal fight against the Islamic State. Palestine 9 [Women carve niche in Gaza's small theater world]( Three determined Gazan women have established their own all-female theater production company. Syria 10 [The next battle in Syria]( With the war on the Islamic State winding down, other tensions in Syria are dialing up as Israel and Turkey worry over forces amassing on their borders. Egypt 11 [Mystery surrounds former Egyptian premier's return to Cairo]( Former Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq returned to Cairo from the UAE after announcing his intention to run in the upcoming presidential elections, yet questions remain surrounding his return. Turkey 12 [Trial of Turkey’s opposition leader starts without him in court]( A court ruled that Selahattin Demirtas, the leader of Turkey’s second-biggest opposition party, could not attend his first hearing in person, increasing concerns his trial may not be fair. Turkey 13 [Trump's Jerusalem move may prove blessing for Erdogan]( While Trump’s Jerusalem statement provided Erdogan an opportunity to present himself as the leader and spokesman of the Muslim world, the move could further polarize the region and destabilize Turkey. Israel 14 [Finance minister takes hit as Israelis protest effort to shield Netanyahu]( Kulanu head and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon is paying a price at the polls for the recommendations law, though the bill was advanced by the Likud to benefit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Palestine 15 [Clashes escalate across Palestine in response to Trump's Jerusalem move]( Following US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, Palestinians took took to the streets in protest for a second day as clashes with Israeli forces increased. Gulf 16 [The UAE's 'alternative GCC']( With no solution to the Qatar-GCC crisis in sight, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have formed their own alliance to support their regional foreign policy. Turkey 17 [Turkey’s girls, women struggle with body image]( A Turkish woman who died following gastric sleeve surgery has revived the debate about women’s body image in Turkey. Egypt 18 [Independent Egyptian film reaps awards but not box office profits]( The box office failure of "Withered Green," one of the most-decorated Egyptian films internationally, came as no surprise to some critics. Turkey 19 [How Mideast turmoil boosts Turkey’s housing market]( Turkey enjoys a significant increase in real estate purchases by foreigners, but other foreign direct investments are on the decline. 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