Sunnis continue to advance in Yemen
The Houthis continue to give up ground to the southerners backed by the Sunni monarchies. It was unwise of the Houthis to press too far out of the Shia north, though their intent might have been to position themselves for negotiations favorable to them. It’s possible the Sunnis will make the same mistake as they push north. Look for the Sunnis to try to exploit divisions inside the Shia ranks, which include Houthis and defectors from the Yemeni army.
Yemen is simply too deeply divided over regional lines. Those lines coincide with the Shia-Sunni divide but the issues are more political than religious.
Prominent scientists support Iran deal
The contest to rally support for or opposition to the Iran deal is well underway. These scientists will gain some support for the Obama administration but not a great deal. Meanwhile, Democratic senator and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders support the deal. Chuck Schumer now opposes.
More Israeli extremists arrested
In the aftermath of the Duma attack, Israeli authorities continue to press down on extremists, as called for by many Israeli politicians and prominent thinkers. Two of the people are being placed under the country’s controversial administrative hold policy, which allows the government to confine them without charges for an undetermined period of time. The policy has been criticized by many Israelis as unjust.
German Kurds protest Turkish airstrikes
Turkey’s attacks on its Kurds fighting ISIL in Syria and Iraq have brought a response form the many Kurds living in Germany. Kurds live in Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Turkey does not want its Kurds to establish the degree of independence that their cousins in Iraq and Syria have won.