With $550M in agricultural losses, Gazans going hungry Israel’s destruction of Gaza’s agricultural sector has resulted in a drop in food supplied to local markets, inflating prices that are out of reach for the impoverished population. Palestine
IRGC announces improved economic relations with Rouhani The commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said that despite initial doubts, relations between the organization and the administration of President Hassan Rouhani have improved. Iran
The myth of Sisi’s Sinai proposal A report that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi proposed giving part of Sinai to the Palestinians stirred controversy among Egyptians, Palestinians and Israelis. Egypt
Former Shas leader: Government has abandoned the poor In an interview with Al-Monitor, former Shas Party leader Eli Yishai criticizes the government's alleged socioeconomic agenda, claiming that the poor are again subject to political manipulations. Israel
Political rifts threaten Iraq's anti-IS coalition While a coalition of the willing is being formed to tackle the Islamic State (IS), international and local political divisions still threaten to tear it apart, leaving IS the only winner. Iraq
Arab-Israelis see Haifa as capital of Palestinian culture “Palestinians in Israel are a national minority that deserves cultural autonomy,” says Iyad Bargouti, acting director of the Arabic Culture Association, which promotes the establishment of a new Palestinian cultural center in the city of Haifa. Israel
Is Israel most important strategic US ally in the region? US President Barack Obama might follow in the footsteps of Presidents George H. W. and George W. Bush by forcing diplomatic concessions on Israel. Palestine
'Fundamental fallacy' in Obama's plan to arm Syrian rebels? Lawmakers of both parties expressed disbelief that the rebels will stick to the role the United States wants to carve out for them. Iraq
US public diplomacy attempts to confront Islamic State Richard Stengel, the latest US official tasked with trying to improve the US image abroad, concedes that trying to rebut those who believe the US created the Islamic State sometimes provokes the feeling that "you are beating your head against a wall." Iraq
Europe needs to coordinate its anti-jihadist measures Israeli security experts warn that the Schengen Area — which allows Europeans to move freely around the continent — makes it easy for jihadists returning home from Syria or Iraq to move around and plan attacks. Israel
Iraq's new YouTube satirist "Al-Bashir Show" is an irreverent take on Iraqi politics in a country where most media outlets are afraid of criticizing politicians. Iraq
Hamas debates direct talks with Israel Hamas Deputy Chairman Mousa Abu Marzouk’s bombshell last week that the movement might embark on direct negotiations with Israel has sparked a furious debate within Hamas. Palestine
Why didn't Khatami visit Iran's supreme leader in hospital? Iranians have speculated over social media on why former President Mohammad Khatami failed to visit Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during his hospital stay. Iran
Iraq's unified 'National Guard' may be impossible Iraq's prime minister has proposed the formation of a National Guard that would unify the ranks of Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish forces. Iraq
Israel must prepare for third Lebanon war Israel must prepare for an eventual third Lebanon war, where it will be confronted with much stronger and more organized forces, perhaps equivalent in equipment to other Arab armies, capable of penetrating Israeli territory. Israel
Netanyahu, Lapid both winners in defense budget quarrel The Israeli prime minister and finance minister's public quarrel over the defense budget is more a political show than a real coalition crisis, as both politicians are benefiting from the rivalry. Israel
