Al-Monitor Daily Briefing: If US backtracks in Syria, Iraq hopes to fill its shoes

[logo]( [fb_icon]( [twitter_icon]( EDITOR'S PICKS Thursday, January 10 | Daily Briefing [By: Mustafa Saadoun on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019]( Iraq 1 [If US backtracks in Syria, Iraq hopes to fill its shoes]( Iraq is expanding its relations with the Syrian government, seeking a strong position as the conflict resolves. Iran 2 [Iran national security advisor says Europe missed chance to save nuclear deal]( A top Iranian official has explicitly stated for the first time that Europe's window to uphold its commitments under the Iran nuclear deal has closed. Washington 3 [New Congress targets Turkey]( US lawmakers are still eyeing Turkey warily, even after it released US pastor Andrew Brunson. Israel 4 [Visibly shaken Netanyahu blows live TV address]( Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's overhyped TV address failed to impress a million viewers and betrayed his fear of being indicted before the April elections. Gulf 5 [Gulf states slowly warm to Damascus]( Gulf states are turning their backs on supporting armed groups in Syria and preparing to re-engage the government in Damascus. Washington 6 [Congress plans new challenge to president’s war powers amid Syria pullout]( Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., is looking for allies on her latest push to end the 2001 war authorization that the Donald Trump administration uses to fight terrorism in the Middle East. Washington 7 [Fiasco in Ankara: Turkish-US friction on Syria back to square one]( US national security adviser John Bolton was snubbed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan because of the Trump administration's demands that Kurds not be harmed after the United States withdraws most of its troops. Iran 8 [Iranians slam new EU sanctions as JCPOA hangs in balance]( Iran has condemned new EU sanctions targeting its Intelligence Ministry over alleged assassination plots, especially as they are imposed at a time when Tehran is still awaiting a long-stalled European payment mechanism to circumvent US sanctions. Turkey 9 [Turkish opposition media ridicule pre-election 'bribe']( With an eye on the March elections, the Turkish government, under the lead of the Justice and Development Party, is providing citizens with relief from credit card debt — a move the opposition deems bribery. Egypt 10 [Cairo food carts get street of their own]( Street carts selling food, books and handmade products come together on Cairo's Street 306, a new, hip space that could become the Arab world's largest food venue. 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]( © 2019 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