Pope Francis hopes for better ties between Turks, Armenians Odds appear stacked against Pope Francis’ desire for the Turkish and Armenian nations to overcome their historic differences and achieve reconciliation. Turkey
Mystery remains on status of Turkish corruption inquiry A Turkish court imposed a gag order preventing the news media from reporting on the parliamentary investigative commission turning the criminal spotlight on four former Cabinet ministers. Turkey
Liberman eyes premiership Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman has identified this moment as a golden opportunity to determine who would be the next premier, and even perhaps become the prime minister himself. Israel
Liberman outlines his regional peace plan In an interview with Al-Monitor, Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman details his comprehensive regional proposal, including land and population swaps. Israel
No sign of pardon for Iran blogger sentenced to death The deputy head of Iran's judiciary has said that there is no move to pardon blogger Soheil Arabi, sentenced to execution over Facebook comments, but there is a request to review his case. Iran
Beirut’s sun never sets The death of Lebanon's immortal diva Sabah sparks memories of the magic of Beirut, still luring admirers through war and turmoil. Lebanon
Rural Egyptian village stuck in time Egypt has gone through dramatic changes in the last three years, but in the remote upper Egyptian village of Western Bindar, life remains at a standstill with little state presence. Egypt
Turkey looks to lure Hollywood filmmakers Seeking to attract European and American filmmakers to Turkey, the Culture and Tourism Ministry has drafted a bill to meet 25% of the costs of foreign productions shot there. Turkey
Iraq faces budget cuts Iraq may be planning austerity measures across its institutions, potentially cutting the salaries of 4 million public employees, to face the dropping price of oil and the war against the Islamic State. Iraq
Egypt launches campaign for UN Security Council seat The Egyptian government has begun a diplomatic offensive to secure votes to win it the North African seat at the UN Security Council for 2016-17. Egypt
Addressing corruption just one part of Iraqi security Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's efforts to reform the security and military institutions are necessary to eliminate corruption but not enough to restore Iraq’s security. Iraq
Arab virtuoso transcends musical boundaries Simon Shaheen, a Palestinian considered one of the foremost Arab musicians of his time, has earned international fame — and 11 Grammy nominations — by creating a fusion of classical Arabic, jazz and Latin music. Palestine
Iran to limit centrifuge R&D under extension Iran has agreed to take further steps to freeze its nuclear program under the terms of a seven-month extension of an interim nuclear deal in exchange for continued sanctions relief. Iran
Exiled Iranian journalist recalls lost freedoms In a new book, former New York Times correspondent Nazila Fathi intertwines her personal and professional experiences after the Iranian revolution, including the challenges of covering the Islamic Republic for two decades. Iran
Erdogan rejects women's equality Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan captures headlines again by stressing that the Islamic perception of creation doesn’t consider men and women to be equal. Turkey
Tensions rise between Egypt, Hamas Tensions have surged between Egypt and Hamas following the deadly October attack in the Sinai Peninsula against Egyptian soldiers, which prompted an Egyptian media campaign against Hamas. Palestine
