Israel's home demolitions fail to deter violence Local and international human rights groups have criticized Israel’s policy of demolishing Palestinian homes as a war crime and collective punishment. Palestine
Future uncertain for Baghdad-Erbil oil cooperation Despite a breakthrough deal between the Iraqi federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to cooperate on oil exports from northern Iraq, thorny issues remain. Iraq
Sisi's deportation law creates controversy Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has issued another controversial law to repatriate non-Egyptians accused of committing crimes, drawing criticism that it might expand the president’s privileges over the judiciary power. Egypt
Sanctions talk heats up after second extension to Iran talks Lawmakers are making the case for a new round of sanctions in a Republican-controlled Congress. Iran
'Progress made' but deadline extended in Iran nuclear talks With the self-imposed Nov. 24 deadline for a comprehensive Iran nuclear accord pushed seven months, analysts recognize important progress made in talks but worry that further delay could increase risk in relations between Iran and the West. Iran
Lebanese officials file lawsuit against the state Six Lebanese nationals, including former and current deputies, filed a lawsuit against the state, accusing successive governments of illegally collecting and spending funds in the absence of a clear, lawful budget. Lebanon
Baghdadi vs. Zawahri: battle for global jihad Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahri and Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi are engaged in a battle for the hearts and minds of Islamic militants worldwide. North Africa
Netanyahu unpopular, but still alone at top Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu provoked a coalition crisis this week, signaling that though normally he shies away from elections, with his sinking popularity, his best bet might be running to the voting booth now. Israel
As Syrian army closes in, Douma residents turn against rebels Douma’s residents protested against Jaish al-Islam for monopolizing food supplies to the Damascene suburb, while Syrian government forces edge closer to retaking the rebel stronghold. Syria
Turkish government, military at odds over Gulenists Turkey’s military is back in the headlines, but this time as an “injured party,” defending itself against allegations of Gulenist soldiers in its ranks. Turkey
Under US pressure, Turkey focuses on relations with Baghdad Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu signaled Turkey's intentions of switching diplomatic tracks during his Baghdad visit. Iraq
Egypt debates health care reform New legislation has been proposed to revamp Egypt’s outdated and ill-functioning health insurance system and cover all Egyptians under one universal insurance umbrella. Egypt
Israeli mayor responds to racism charge In an interview with Al-Monitor, Ashkelon Mayor Itamar Shimoni argues that the decision to halt work by Arab Israeli construction workers in his city was intended only to allay tensions, saying, "I believe that Arab Israelis are part of us." Israel
Russia's Middle East policy after the G-20 summit Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, ever skeptical of US intentions, elaborates on Russia's policies in the Middle East — and risks alienating the West. Palestine
Egyptian play tackles taboo of religion Egyptian director Tariq El-Dweiri wrote the play “The Trial,” to show what the Egyptian street has come to after a revolution brought to power religious thought. Egypt
Jailed Palestinian leader calls for armed resistance Jailed Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti published a letter in the Palestinian news media calling for a “comprehensive resistance and the gun” against the Israeli occupation. Palestine
