Will campaign against Islamic State unleash wave of repression? Human rights advocates on and off Capitol Hill are worried about giving Arab leaders a blank check to go after those they deem "terrorists." Iraq
Russia fears eastward spread of 'jihadist cancer' Russian policy experts are concerned about the Islamic State's aggression expanding into Iraq and Syria's neighbors to the east. Iraq
Abadi's new government will face challenges Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the formation of the new Iraqi government and vowed to answer the demands put forth by political blocs. Iraq
Turks turn to EU with renewed enthusiasm Public support for EU membership in Turkey has shot up from 45% to 53% in just one year, a new survey says. Turkey
Syrian rebels break uneasy peace in Golan Heights Syrian rebels, including Jabhat al-Nusra, are hoping they can take control of Quneitra province and break the siege on Ghouta in eastern Damascus. Israel
Egyptian tribes wary of new provincial boundaries President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's decision to redraw provincial boundaries is worrying Arab tribes in remote and impoverished areas, where they fear diminishing revenue and development from the central government. Egypt
Traditional elements shine in Iran's modern art In an interview with Al-Monitor, Hungarian-Iranian painter Gizella Varga-Sinai talks about her work and her passion for Persian culture. Iran
Iran ministry accused of targeting conservative news sites Iran's Culture Ministry has been accused of enforcing licensing requirements only for conservative news sites, ignoring Reformist and pro-administration outlets. Iran
Israeli left looks to restore its image Leftist activists are working to restore the image of the "left," but the key to power and to becoming a political alternative lies in the center and left parties’ ability to merge into a critical mass. Israel
The return of Lebanese 'self-security' The growing fears of a jihadist presence in Lebanon have pushed some Lebanese villages toward increasingly relying on themselves for security. Lebanon
Hezbollah parliamentarian: We will defend Lebanon from IS In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad said Lebanon was under direct threat from the Islamic State and that Hezbollah stood ready to confront it. Saudi Arabia
Syrian women find independence in embroidery An NGO in Lebanon that trains and employs Syrian refugee women in embroidery is also providing a safe environment where they can share their experiences and support one another. Lebanon
Israeli labor leader calls for new peace talks with Palestinians Labor Party head Isaac Herzog said he wants to lead a new centrist coalition in Israeli politics and predicts new elections next year. Palestine
Obama previews broad strategy to 'take down' Islamic State President Obama, in a dinner with foreign policy experts, laid out a comprehensive, long-term strategy to combat the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, saying the terrorist group must be defeated, not contained. Iraq
Drought triggers protests in Iran Climate change, drought and decades of mismanagement have led to serious water shortages in Iran, leading to protests in a number of cities. Iran
Congress goes after 'frenemies' Turkey, Qatar Lawmakers are threatening sanctions against US allies that support Hamas. Qatar
