Al-Monitor Daily Briefing: Russia finds navigating new development tricky in Syria

[logo]( [fb_icon]( [twitter_icon]( EDITOR'S PICKS Thursday, June 7 | Daily Briefing [By: Anton Mardasov on Wednesday, Jun. 6, 2018]( Russia / Mideast 1 [Russia finds navigating new development tricky in Syria]( Syria is slowly being seen less as a military liability and more as an investment opportunity, though there are still many potential challenges. Israel 2 [Israel’s High Court prepares for battle]( In order to confront the government’s assault over its authority and powers, the High Court hired an external communications adviser. 3 [What’s next for Syrian refugees in Lebanon?]( As pressure is increasing on Lebanon’s economy, the Lebanese authorities are working to ensure the safe return of Syrian refugees, despite the hesitation of the international community and the United States. Egypt 4 [Egyptian soccer star’s village has mixed feelings about native son]( The poor Egyptian village of Nagrig is internationally known for producing the famous soccer player Mo Salah, but its residents feel the benefits to the town haven't lived up to the hype. Palestine 5 [US, Palestinian political fallout hasn't hampered security ties]( Despite political estrangement between the Palestinian Authority and the United States over Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, security coordination continues between the two sides. Iran 6 [Iran’s insurance industry braces for impact of US sanctions]( As Iran’s insurance industry awaits the re-imposition of US nuclear-related sanctions, the sector is this time better prepared for external restrictions. Turkey 7 [What's behind Turkish threats to invade PKK stronghold in Iraq?]( Turkish leaders have raised the specter of a ground offensive on the Qandil Mountains in northern Iraq, home to the main camps of the PKK, but the motive and viability of such an operation remain questionable. 8 [Two-way mistrust hinders Libyan rivals' meeting in Paris]( The latest meeting between Libya’s rival governing factions produced interesting points that could help the country, but was ultimately disappointing after both sides refused to recognize each other's legitimacy. Syria 9 [Leader defines principles of new Future Syria Party]( In an interview with Al-Monitor, the leader of the newly established Future Syria Party, Ibrahim al-Qaftan, rejected claims that the group seeks to counter Turkish pressure in northern Syria, stressing that its goal is to build a pluralistic and democratic state. Turkey 10 [US, Turkey agree on Manbij road map, but when will they get there?]( Ankara is pleased with Washington’s endorsement of a plan to rid Manbij of YPG fighters, but many questions remain and the plan’s implementation could take time. Israel 11 [Despite advancing technology, IDF faces dilemma on Gaza border]( Israel successfully intercepts rockets fired from the Gaza Strip, but fails in addressing the threat of incendiary kites launched by Hamas activists. Palestine 12 [Palestinian campaign settles debts of those killed during Great Return March]( A Gaza-based charity campaign is helping the families of the Great Return March victims to settle debts with a newly launched campaign. Syria 13 [Armed factions join forces to counter Syrian regime gains]( Opposition militias in north and central Syria are banding together in the hope that a unified front will be able to fend off regime advances. Egypt 14 [Wave of arrests in Egypt sends alarming message at start of Sisi's second term]( International human rights activists and organizations accuse the government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of launching the worst large-scale campaign against the opposition ever witnessed in Egypt. 15 [Ahmadinejad attacks Rouhani, Khamenei over nuclear deal]( Iranian former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad slams President Hassan Rouhani and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei over their support for the JCPOA. 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]( © 2018 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