Hamas denies Qatar is pushing it to leave Hamas officials have strenuously denied news reports that Qatar might extend its decision to expel Muslim Brotherhood leaders to include Hamas leaders residing in Doha. Gulf
Iran cleric: They used to say loudspeakers were forbidden Two prominent clerics have taken opposing views on the issue of high-speed Internet, which is currently being debated in the Iranian media. Iran
Israel must help Gazans, regardless of Hamas Israel must consider unilaterally lifting the Gaza blockade because desperate Palestinians there have nothing to lose, a situation far more dangerous for Israel than Hamas rearming. Palestine
Gaza farmers want guarantees Israel won’t destroy their lands Farmers in Gaza are fed up with replanting their battered lands only for Israel to destroy them, and want negotiators in Egypt to guarantee their security. Palestine
Wary of Salafists, Egypt expands control over mosques The Egyptian state is expanding its control over the dialogue in mosques, and is now preventing Salafists from giving sermons without a permit. Egypt
Rouhani faces tougher audience at UN this year With the nuclear crisis still unresolved, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is likely to emphasize Iran’s opposition to the Islamic State. Iran
Displaced students burden Iraqi schools With the new school year approaching, Iraqi schools in Babil province will be facing major problems with the massive number of displaced students. Iraq
Party payments squeeze out Egypt's youth candidates Political parties are demanding payments of up to $28,000 for candidates to be included in their electoral lists. Egypt
Bibi exhausts another political rival Over the years, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu managed to drive away those who threatened his position, such as Ministers Roni Milo, Moshe Kahlon and now also Likud’s favorite Gideon Saar, leaving the party empty of political stars. Israel
New Palestinian film shuns stereotypes Palestinian filmmaker Najwa Najjar’s latest work, “Eyes of a Thief,” seeks to convey the complexity of Palestinian life under occupation, a far cry from the typical one-dimensional portrayal of Palestinians in Arab cinema. Palestine
Is Syrian army US' best option against IS? Too many uncertainties about "moderate" Syrian rebels make them the least effective option for confronting the Islamic State, leaving the Syrian regime the only realistic alternative. Iraq
Diverse career path for US negotiator “Love what you do,” Wendy Sherman, the United States' Iran negotiator, urged students at a ceremony to honor her diplomatic achievements. Iran
House votes to arm Syrian rebels with eye toward Assad Regime change in Syria remains the endgame for measure's earliest supporters. Syria
Exiled Brotherhood officials may find home in Turkey As Qatar expels Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood figures, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says there is nothing stopping them from traveling to Turkey "like any foreign guest." Qatar
Turkey’s economic growth fizzles Turkey’s economic growth slowed to 2.1% in the second quarter, well below expectations, forcing the government to review its year-end target of 4%. Turkey
Erdogan's $350M presidential palace President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has filled his newly constructed palace in Ankara with symbolism of his overthrow of Turkey’s old regime. Turkey
