Ultra-Orthodox women fight for their right to higher education The religious ruling of Rabbi Shalom Cohen against higher education for women shook the Sephardic ultra-Orthodox party Shas, at a moment when its political leaders are trying to regain traditional constituents and secular support. Israel
Allawi: US policy toward Iraq 'without a compass' In an interview with Al-Monitor, former Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi says that the Iraqi army "has lost its identity and its role" as a result of the current Iraqi government's policies. Iraq
Qom's Society of Seminary Teachers issues warning to Rouhani The president of the Society of Seminary Teachers in Qom has said that President Hassan Rouhani was issued unofficial warnings and that if he fails to heed them, he would be officially cautioned. Iran
Erdogan's reforms meant to educate 'pious generation' A far-reaching overhaul underway in Turkey’s educational system indicates that the government uses education as a tool to shape conservative and pious students. Turkey
Hamas gains in backlash to Abbas speech President Mahmoud Abbas’ speech in which he emphasized security coordination with Israel has seen a fierce backlash from the Palestinian street, givng Hamas a likely poll boost. Palestine
Iraqis fear uncertain future in areas under 'Islamic State' The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) is not the only group operating in regions now under its banner. Iraq
Qatar's annus horribilis Qatar has taken a sharp turn in fortune in the past year, going from influential regional power to almost complete isolation. Qatar
ISIS advances in Iraq provide new context for US-Egypt ties US Secretary of State John Kerry's visit to Cairo has indicated a need to cooperate against the regional terror threat, despite US concerns over human rights in Egypt. Egypt
Iraqi refugees in despair in Jordan long for Saddam era While life wasn't perfect under the rule of President Saddam Hussein, it was much better than today, according to Iraqi refugees in Jordan. Iraq
Aleppo's water crisis adds to local suffering Rebel attempts to cut the water supply to regime-held areas have backfired, disrupting drinking water supplies to the entire city. Syria
Kidnapping prompts Palestinian prisoners to end hunger strike Few details have emerged from the decision to suspend the Palestinian prisoner hunger strike, and no written agreement has been signed. Palestine
Democratic senator: Congress must approve use of force in Iraq Sen/ Tim Kaine of Virginia, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has taken a firm stand about the need for congressional approval, putting him at odds with the Barack Obama administration and others in his party. Iraq
Turkey's blackout on Mosul hostage crisis The opposition parties’ request to be informed about the developments in Mosul was turned down June 25, leaving the public in the dark about the hostage crisis. Iraq
Israel deputy minister: Abbas heads a terrorist government In an interview with Al-Monitor, Deputy Minister Ofir Akunis blames Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for the unsolved abductions of the three Israeli students. Palestine
Israel blames Hamas political leaders for abductions Israel is no longer buying the distinction between Hamas' political and military divisions. Palestine
Saudi Arabia threatened by ISIS advance in Iraq Despite their problems with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Saudi leaders consider the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) a threat to the kingdom. Saudi Arabia
