Syrian fighter's story one of tragedy, greed In search of money and power, one young Syrian man considered signing up with the army, then joined a rebel faction and later the Islamic State, but was ultimately rewarded with death. Syria
Turkey legalizes alternative medicine The Turkish government has paved the way for hospitals to use treatments dating back to Seljuk and Ottoman times, including bloodsucking leeches and scar-healing flies. Turkey
Rouhani criticizes consolidation of power in government Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has indirectly criticized the economic power and influence of the Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran
Key panels urge sanctions on Qatar, Turkey over Hamas Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee want the Treasury Department to "take all necessary measures" to stop Qatari and Turkish support for Hamas. Qatar
Hoping for miracles, Shiites walk Iraq's Arbaeen pilgrimage Arbaeen is a religious commemoration that Shiites from around the world celebrate as a religious obligation and a social deed, and some witness miracles performed by Imam Hussein ibn Ali. Iraq
What happened at anti-IS coalition meeting? A diplomatic source participating in the gathering of the international coalition against the Islamic State told Al-Monitor that Turkey sought to undermine its regional rivals for its own interests. Iraq
Inside the world of high-end Middle Eastern art sales Sales of Middle Eastern art at Christie's Dubai are setting records for artists, highlighting the vibrant scene for modern and contemporary Arab, Iranian and Turkish art. Gulf
US official claims gains in curtailing IS oil smuggling Energy and Iraq experts question US assertions of success in closing longstanding smuggling routes used by Islamic militants to send oil and other products from Iraq and Syria to Turkey and Jordan. Iraq
Iran's parliament speaker looks to form own party Speaker of Iran's parliament, conservative politician Ali Larijani, sensing competition from his right, considers forming his own political party. Iran
Erdogan Islamizes education system to raise 'devout youth' Religious education may become compulsory in primary schools in Turkey following the transformation of hundreds of secular schools into religious education establishments. Turkey
Egypt cautiously accepts reconciliation with Qatar Egypt has accepted a Gulf initiative launched by Saudi Arabia to achieve reconciliation between Cairo and Doha, with the former stressing that Qatar stop supporting the Muslim Brotherhood. Saudi Arabia
Egypt tackles embezzlement Egypt’s judiciary will consider a new reform to allow for amicable settlement between the government and those accused of embezzlement, bringing in recovered funds but also possibly legalizing corruption. Egypt
Hamas in Turkey on alert after Israeli complaint Hamas officials in Turkey are taking precautions after Israel’s complaint to NATO against Ankara for hosting the Palestinian Islamist group, fearing that Israel might resume assassinating its leaders abroad. Palestine
Why Davutoglu's Armenian adviser angered AKP deputies One should listen to Etyen Mahcupyan, now top adviser to Ahmet Davutoglu, to see both a sophisticated defense of the AKP but also to see where exactly it goes wrong. Turkey
Business as usual: Turkey's never-ending love of the bribe Some 46% of Turkish businessmen believe corruption won’t end, while the country sinks lower in the global transparency index. Turkey
Rouhani speech interrupted by Green Movement chants Speeches commemorating Student Day were disrupted across Iran's universities by outcries in support of Green Movement leaders and student activists. Iran
