Al-Monitor Daily Briefing: Turkey chides US for failing to honor Manbij accord

[logo]( [fb_icon]( [twitter_icon]( EDITOR'S PICKS Wednesday, September 19 | Daily Briefing [By: Semih Idiz on Wednesday, Sep. 19, 2018]( Turkey 1 [Turkey chides US for failing to honor Manbij accord]( Ankara is caught between two superpowers that are pursuing their own agendas in Syria, while its efforts to implement its own agenda there only seem to be growing more difficult with time. Iran 2 [What rial devaluation means for Iranian government]( While the devaluation of the rial has had a negative impact on Iranian society, it has the potential to help key economic players — including the government and the Central Bank — to gain a new and sustainable balance in their finances. Egypt 3 [Al-Azhar includes women in public discussion of harassment, rights]( For the first time, Al-Azhar’s newspaper published the photos of unveiled women on the front page of an edition devoted to women's issues. Iraq 4 [Iraqi Kurds stuck between Iran, US]( The Iraqi Kurds are worried about the US-Iran rivalry in Iraq, as it will weaken their position in the country more than ever before. Iran 5 [Backlash in Iran as some wartime veterans circumvent new retirement law]( A number of Iran's senior public sector workers are reportedly taking advantage of a new law that exempts highly disabled veterans from mandatory retirement. Russia / Mideast 6 [What Putin-Erdogan deal means for Idlib]( Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hammered out a deal on "demilitarizing" Idlib that both parties seem to be content with — yet serious political and military challenges persist. Turkey 7 [Erdogan scores diplomatic wins in meetings with Putin, Merkel]( Despite negative portrayals of President Erdogan, he has been successful in his recent diplomatic efforts. Syria 8 [Villages overwhelmed as Idlib's displaced head for Turkish border]( Thousands of civilians are fleeing their homes in Idlib as the Syrian regime, backed by Russia, bombs the area ahead of a ground offensive. Palestine 9 [Jordan takes steps to support Jerusalem’s Palestinians]( Palestinian Jerusalemites hope that Jordan's announcement of a reduction in passport fees for them, and an easier application process, signal an effort by Amman to become more involved in defending their rights. Egypt 10 [Egyptian activist creates music from garbage]( “Music has logic, and anything can make a sound,” says Shady Rabab, who received a UN prize for addressing poverty and waste management in Egypt by making musical instruments from trash and training young people in a band. Turkey 11 [Russia gives Turkey one last month for solution in Syria]( Ankara has won some breathing room in Syria, having one month to persuade radical forces to give up their guns, leave Idlib, join a Turkish-backed rebel alliance or face a crushing assault by the Syrian regime supported by Russian forces. 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