Turkey’s war in Libya The Turkish government denies that it is taking sides in Libya, between the governments in Tobruk and Tripoli. Turkey
Anti-IS coalition's 'train-and-equip' program not enough The problem with the US-led coalition's "train-and-equip" program is not finding committed soldiers willing to fight but rather finding dedicated, capable leaders to command them. Iraq
Who will replace Netanyahu as prime minister? The main agenda of the forthcoming Israeli elections will not revolve around security issues or the economy, but will focus on removing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from the premier's seat — his rivals each running separately. Israel
Iran to reinstate budgetary planning body Iran’s Supreme Administrative Council has approved the revival of the Planning and Budget Organization, a major promise of President Hassan Rouhani’s campaign and an asset Rouhani will need no matter how the nuclear negotiations turn out. Iran
Tunisian artist popularizes 'calligraffiti' Tunisian-born eL Seed, an internationally famous artist and sculptor, uses Arabic-style "calligraffiti" to promote cross-cultural tolerance. Tunisia
IS leader's 'captured wife' may not be who she says she is While Saja al-Dulaimi might not be the wife of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Lebanese authorities hope her capture will help free army soldiers being held by jihadists. Iraq
Iran denies cooperating with US on IS strikes Iranian officials have not confirmed whether Iran has conducted airstrikes against the Islamic State in Iraq but continue to officially reject cooperation with the US-led coalition. Iraq
US sanctions expert to leave as Iran talks extended State Department Iran sanctions official Richard Nephew is among the US officials expected to leave as Iran talks are extended, but Wendy Sherman will stay on as the lead US Iran negotiator. Iran
Saudi Arabia forced to rethink ideology in fight against IS While Saudi Arabia and the Islamic State (IS) are both based on pan-Islamic ideology, the former feels threatened by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's efforts to create a multi-ethnic military force where local culture, language and ethnicity are submerged in one Islamic identity and polity. Saudi Arabia
Lebanon's bittersweet expertise in prosthetics helps amputees As a result of past conflicts in Lebanon, organizations and government ministries have created a prosthetics sector that continues to advance and using its knowledge to assist not only Lebanese, but also Syrian refugee victims of war and those with congenital disabilities. Lebanon
Voter apathy expected to linger among Israeli Arabs It's unlikely that the upcoming early elections will encourage disappointed Israeli Arabs to show en mass at the ballot boxes, though they are a political force to reckon with. Israel
Israelis raise funds for Syrian children The fundraising event in Tel Aviv for Syrian children had a slow start, as many Israelis show apathy to the suffering of their neighbors, but the Israeli committee supporting war-stricken Syrian children is determined to address the indifference in Israeli society. Israel
Gaza war leaves students with ruined classrooms Israel shelled dozens of schools during the recent Gaza war, destroying and damaging classrooms and leaving many students to study in impossible conditions. Palestine
Israel's unexploded ordnance endangers Jordan Valley residents The Israeli army leaves behind unexploded devices and mines each time it conducts military drills in the Jordan Valley, and prevents local Palestinian forces from performing demining activities. Palestine
Who will liberate Mosul? The liberation of Mosul is complicated by its ethnic, religious and ideological pluralism. Iraq
Congress demands allies crack down on IS foreign fighters Lawmakers of both parties are threatening to tighten travel restrictions on countries that don't incarcerate returning fighters. Iraq
