After months of political deadlock, intense protests and a growing economic crisis, Iraq finally has a new prime minister. Mustafa Al-Kadhimi is a Shiite political figure who previously led the Iraqi National Intelligence Service for almost four years.

The deep-rooted political disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean over natural gas, and the ongoing tension between opposing camps in Libya have reignited old rivalries in the region, and are having a considerable effect on the situation in Syria.

On March 14, 2003, Recep Tayyip Erdogan became Turkey’s prime minister, heading the country’s 59th government as the leader of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

The Adana agreement, signed by Turkey and Syria on Oct. 20, 1998, was the most critical issue on the agenda during the meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Jan. 23.