Jewish extremists try to change status quo at Al-Aqsa The visit by extreme-right Israeli politician Moshe Feiglin to Al-Aqsa Mosque is yet another example of empowered Jewish extremists seeking to change current agreements over Islam’s third-holiest shrine. Palestine
A new era for Israeli beer Israel’s recent beer festival proved that despite the high alcohol tax nd steep price, Israel’s boutique beer market is developing, offering dozens of selections from microbreweries all over the country. Israel
Did Israel's judicial system cover up sex scandal? The sexual harassment investigation into Judge Yitzak Cohen is the result of a transparency revolution in Israel empowered by social media. Israel
With Temple Mount as flashpoint, violence rises in Jerusalem In the midst of increasing violence and harassment against Arabs in Jerusalem and tensions over the Temple Mount, the Jerusalem Municipality announced encouraging news about two building plans in East Jerusalem Arab neighborhoods. Palestine
Number of Iraqi orphans, widows rising with conflict Recent military operations in Iraq against the Islamic State have led to a spike in the number of orphans and widows. Iraq
Turkish villages smuggle IS oil through makeshift pipelines In the village of Hacipasa, almost every house is connected to an illegal oil pipeline smuggling IS oil into Turkey. Syria
Iran has mixed feelings about cooperating with US against IS Iran wants to eliminate the Islamic State, but worries that working in conjunction with the US to do so could endanger Iran's ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Iraq
Turkey abstains on US coalition against Islamic State Turkey’s caveat on the Islamic State; Russia’s Syria cards; Iran on outside of US coalition; the US turnaround on the Syrian opposition; Al-Monitor’s first long-form piece. Egypt
Dozens killed in Tripoli suburb under siege A coalition of Libyan militias has imposed a siege on a suburb of Tripoli controlled by the Warshefana tribe. Libya
Congress may finally vote to arm Syrian rebels A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Sept. 15. Syria
Moderate Muslims' quandary about IS Both Turkey and other Muslim societies need more voices that will take extremism seriously and discredit it with serious arguments. Turkey
Turkey rows against the tide Ideological assumptions based on Islamist and Sunni sympathies, as well as a series of bad judgments, leave Turkey with diminished influence in a region where it once hoped to play a leadership role. Iraq
Turkey moving from reluctant partner to embarrassed ally Ankara is finding it increasingly difficult to define its position in the fight between its NATO allies and the Islamic State. Iraq
Egypt universities ban student political groups The decision to ban student movements affiliated with political parties at universities in Egypt was met with support, as they prevent clashes on campus, and criticized because the decision is deemed illegal. Egypt
Iran conservatives reject cooperation with US against IS Conservative Iranian figures and media outlets have resoundedly rejected the idea of Iran joining a US-led coalition against the Islamic State. Iran
Bennett lays groundwork for premiership Economy and Trade Minister Naftali Bennett, not content with controlling HaBayit HaYehudi, has launched a plan to attract more voters and ultimately occupy the prime minister's office. Israel
