Opposition leader calls protest law 'political suicide' for Sisi In an interview with Al-Monitor, opposition figure Ayman Nour said the events of July 3 were a coup against democracy in Egypt, while criticizing Gulf interference in the country's internal affairs. Gulf
Confusion persists over Turkey's position on IS It is still unclear whether Turkey is now on board the anti-Islamic State coalition. Turkey
Desperate Gazans frustrated by Hamas-Fatah squabbles The disputes between Hamas and Fatah over the reconstruction process in Gaza have infuriated Gazans who desperately need assistance. Palestine
Islamic State flag burning ignites controversy in Lebanon The burning of Islamic State (IS) flags in Lebanon has stirred controversy among the public and politicians, with some condemning the act, considering it an attack on religion, while others contend that IS has nothing to do with Islam. Iraq
Kurdish politician proposes segregating Arabs, Kurds in Iraq Mohsin Saadoun, an Iraqi member of parliament for the Kurdistan Democratic Party, believes Arabs and Kurds can no longer coexist in mixed villages after the Islamic State’s assault, which he says was supported by local Sunni Arabs. Iraq
Fighting robs Iraqi farmers of harvest The Islamic State attacks and defensive military operations have affected the agricultural sector in Iraq's Salahuddin province, where wheat production had been expected to reach 4.5 million tons this year. Iraq
Rouhani's meeting with Cameron draws criticism in Iran Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has been criticized for comments made by UK Prime Minister David Cameron after the two conducted a "historic" meeting. Iran
Exclusive: PKK commander threatens to resume war In an exclusive interview, the Kurdistan Workers Party's (PKK) top military commander, Cemil Bayik, says that Turkey has sabotaged the peace process and the PKK is ready to resume open conflict. Turkey
Moscow backs fight against IS … to an extent Russia is expressing cautious solidarity with the United States in fighting the Islamic State, while continuing its unequivocal support of the Syrian government. Iraq
Turkey threatens credit rating agencies Turkey’s top leaders have threatened to cancel the contracts of credit rating agencies Fitch and Moody’s as financial markets get nervous at the prospect of Turkey being downgraded. Turkey
Turks dislike Islamic State, but would leave fight to others A recent survey by Metropoll, a prominent Turkish polling company, indicates that only 1.3% of Turks are sympathetic toward the Islamic State. Syria
Biden taps Kahl as national security aide Vice President Joe Biden has picked Colin Kahl, former Pentagon Middle East adviser, to serve as top national security aide. Originals
Security ministries on hold in Iraq Iraq's parliament has failed to vote on the candidates proposed by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi for the posts of interior and defense ministers, letting the country slip down a dangerous path. Iraq
Why is Abbas playing hardball with Hamas? Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has taken a tough stance toward Hamas since the Gaza war ended, in part in an effort to appease Egypt and some of the Gulf states vehemently opposed to the Muslim Brotherhood. Palestine
Islamic Jihad’s popularity grows after Gaza war The public approval ratings of Islamic Jihad received a boost after the Gaza war, benefiting from the group's determination to stay out of the Hamas-Fatah feud. Palestine
Rouhani: Syria airstrikes 'will only create tragedies' Iran’s president said a nuclear agreement would open the prospect of more cooperation with the United States but criticized the American decision to give more support to Syrian rebels, warning that it could spawn more terrorism. Iraq