Gazans crowd schools in search of shelter Gaza's civilians have nowhere to hide from Israeli strikes, causing over 100,000 residents to flee to UNRWA centers. Palestine
A guide to Iranian online dating Young Iranians are turning to chat rooms — many deemed illegal by the Iranian government — to find dates or even potential spouses. Iran
Why Islamic State is no al-Qaeda clone The announcement by the Islamic State of the caliphate and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s self-proclamation as the caliph sets IS apart from Al-Qaeda. Iraq
Iran’s Reformist papers accused of lackluster Gaza coverage Conservative media outlets in Iran have attacked Reformist news organizations for failing to report on the conflict in Gaza, prompting the editors to defend their coverage. Palestine
New moves by Saudi Arabia, Qatar signal drive for cease-fire Regional capitals are seeing intense diplomatic activity, while regional powers and Washington agree on the need to end the war in Gaza as soon as possible. Qatar
Aleppo's streets empty as residents brace for siege Rebel fighters and civilians in rebel-held east Aleppo have launched a collective initiative to combat an expected siege by government forces. Syria
Fleeing atrocities, Iraqi Turkmens turned away at Turkey's border Kasim Kara, the Turkmen Front spokesman in Iraq, says Turkey did not open its borders to the Turkmens while allowing entry to more than 1.5 million Syrians. Syria
Alevis find saying no to Erdogan a tall task Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s lavish iftar feasts during the presidential campaign are generating controversy, including a decision by the Alevi community to reject an invitation to one of the dinners. Turkey
Israel's legal framework for Gaza strikes Declaring Gaza a "belligerent, entity sui generis" has informed Israel’s strategy in the conflict. Palestine
Moscow treads lightly in Gaza Though Moscow undoubtedly disapproves of Israel’s harsh actions in Gaza, it's being careful not to take an anti-Israel stance. Palestine
Personal appearance by Nasrallah could be target for attacks While Hezbollah sources hint that Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah may appear in person to deliver this year's Quds Day speech, there are questions of whether he can, in light of genuine concerns for his safety. Lebanon
Rash of kidnappings shows lawlessness in Libya Libya's central government is powerless in the face of increased kidnappings for ransom and the targeting of civilians by militias. Qatar
Cease-fire initiatives pit Turkey against Egypt Is Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan more concerned with undermining Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi than to broker a cease-fire in Gaza? Saudi Arabia
Gazans find sanctuary in ancient church Gaza’s only Greek Orthodox Church canceled its Sunday prayers and opened its doors to hundreds fleeing the Israeli bombardment of the Shajaiya neighborhood. Palestine
Electricity cuts push Gaza's hospitals to brink As part of its offensive, Israel has bombed the Gaza Strip’s electrical infrastructure, resulting in power outages up to 21 hours a day. Palestine
Wheat subsidies in Jordan may be too little too late The Jordanian government is trying to encourage domestic production after purchasing 97% of its wheat on the international market last year. Jordan
