Decoding Iran's economic indicators Though experts believe the Iranian government and Central Bank are overestimating in reports on Iran’s economic growth, there are some real positive indicators, including progress on inflation. Iran
The Islamic State's media warfare The Islamic State’s strategy of warfare in Syria and Iraq seems to be based on ways to disseminate their ideas, mainly through online media. Iraq
UN envoy meets with Hezbollah to discuss Syria Staffan de Mistura is the first UN special representative to the Syrian conflict to meet with Hezbollah officials to get the organization's assessment of the Syrian crisis. Lebanon
Kahlon's new party will challenge Likud, Shas Former Likud Communications Minister Moshe Kahlon is capable of changing the political game and tipping the scales — provided he manages to undermine the power base of the Likud and Shas parties. Israel
Israeli left shuns Rabin's legacy Two ceremonies in November will commemorate the assassination of former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, neither of which will focus on the reason he lost his life: his efforts to achieve peace with the Palestinians. Israel
What will happen after Sanaa's fall? Many scenarios explain the fall of Sanaa to the hands of Houthis and the period that will follow in Yemen. Yemen
Iraqi Kurdistan faces challenges in clearing land mines The Iraq-Iran war and Saddam Hussein’s campaign against Kurds have left behind millions of square meters of contaminated land in Iraqi Kurdistan, and the latter has been trying to defuse the land mines that cause many deadly accidents each year. Iraq
Khamenei preaches Shiite-Sunni unity against Islamic State, US Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's Eid al-Ghadeer speech revealed his concern that the coalition against the Islamic State might give Sunnis and the United States the upper hand in the region. Gulf
Oman's uncertain future The sultan of Oman's health crisis will have implications for the Gulf nation and its unique foreign policy. Gulf
Is Hezbollah preparing large assault on Israel? If Iran succeeds in securing an agreement that enables it to preserve nuclear capabilities, it might decide to attack Israel through Hezbollah on the Lebanese and Syrian borders. Israel
Iranian officials mourn powerful cleric The death of Ayatollah Mohammad Reza Mahdavi Kani has left open a powerful position with the authority to elect and supervise the supreme leader of Iran. Iran
Danes outraged by Turkey’s hostage deal with IS Reports that the would-be assassin of a Danish anti-Islamic activist was released in exchange for Turkish hostages held by the Islamic State has infuriated Danes. Turkey
Airstrikes empty Turkish border town of foreign fighters The US airstrikes in September and a recent Turkish crackdown on illegal border crossings have significantly changed the face of Reyhanli. Syria
All eyes on Soleimani Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani's return to Tehran marks an end to a much covered trip to Iraq. Iraq
In Turkey, it's all about the beard Kobani riots have turned the beard into a contested area between Islamophobia and phobia of the Islamic State. Turkey
IS imposes new rules on education in Syria, Iraq The Islamic State is leading a cultural revolution in Iraq and Syria, issuing new regulations to bring the educational system in line with Sharia and its Salafist ideology. Iraq
