World Cup, Bet Lahm Live welcomed distractions While Palestinians take in the World Cup, a new report advocates FIFA sanctions against Israel over actions hampering the growth of soccer in the Palestinian territories. Palestine
Iranian women still banned from stadiums Iran's ban on women in public stadiums, first instated after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has caused an uproar during the recent FIVB World League volleyball games in Tehran. Iran
Netanyahu considers challenges on left and right Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might decide to advance Likud Party primaries, to assure his position when facing a possible disintegration of the coalition whose partners challenge him from left and right. Israel
ISIS raises flag at Turkish border After declaring it had formed the caliphate of all Muslims and changing its name, ISIS raised its flag in the Syrian town of Tell Abyad just across the Turkish border. Iraq
Poor election turnout sign of Libya's despair The low voter turnout in the June 25 elections shows just how disillusioned Libyans have become with their nation's politics. Libya
Egypt's 'kofta' scandal sign of missing checks, balances Egypt needs an effective opposition and parliament to balance executive power. Egypt
EU warnings to Israel remain unheard Israel’s ties to the European Union still are complicated by settlement policies. Israel
Female prisoners in Egypt suffer rampant abuse Human rights groups have accused the Egyptian state of allowing violence against female detainees in prison despite its pledge to tackle the issue of sexual violence against women. Egypt
Motahari says Supreme Leader called house arrests a 'favor' Parliament member Ali Motahari has said that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei considers the continued house arrest of the Green Movement leaders a lighter punishment than the alternative: imprisonment. Iran
The Syria disconnect in US Iraq policy Iraq welcomes Syrian airstrikes on ISIS; Aleppo’s water crisis. Saudi Arabia
Rouhani underlines need for greater judicial transparency Iran's president wages an uphill battle against an anti-capitalist ideology that dominated the postrevolutionary era in Iran. Iran
Accused kidnappers are rogue Hamas branch The Hebron-based Qawasmeh family may not be under the direct control of Hamas, but its actions have placed Hamas in Israel's sights with regard to the kidnapping of three Israeli students. Palestine
Iran extends welcome to US religious groups Three major US religious delegations have visited Iran since March, seeking to broaden US-Iran dialogue and support the nuclear talks. Iran
Return of Iran's Strategic Council might constrain Rouhani The revival of a foreign policy council could signal that Iran's supreme leader is attempting to temper ideas of warmer relations with the West, especially after the nuclear deal. Iran
Turkey lashes out at Congress over Christian churches bill The House Foreign Affairs panel easily passed a bill demanding Turkey return confiscated churches. Turkey
