Israel still refuses to run water to Rawabi In an interview with Al-Monitor, attorney Dov Weissglass deplores the ongoing Israeli refusal to connect the Palestinian town Rawabi to the water network, claiming that the refusal by Ministers Moshe Ya'alon and Silvan Shalom is politically motivated. Palestine
Is Europe closing door to refugees? With smuggling tragedies increasing in the Mediterranean, Europe is looking for ways to stem the tide of human smuggling from North Africa. Egypt
Disagreement keeps Hamas-Iran rapprochement on ice Reports that Iran is insisting on the resignation of Hamas’ political bureau chief Khaled Meshaal in exchange for the resumption of relations between the parties seems to have stalled reconciliation talks for now. Palestine
What the Kahane phenomenon can teach Israelis today The Israeli far-right prefers to preserve late Meir Kahane as a historical figure, but with his recent production of "Kahane Was Right" playwright Yoav Itamar forces the Israeli public to confront contemporary Israeli stances on Kahane's controversial, far-right ideologies. Israel
Rouhani accommodates Iran's Jewish students President Hassan Rouhani's administration has taken steps to address the concerns of Iranian Jews, who wish to observe the holy Sabbath without sacrificing their education. Iran
Some see snubs, Erdogan sees envy While Erdogan remains unconcerned, diplomats say Turkey's isolation is hurting the country. Turkey
Could Libya's IS suck Egypt into endless war? The massacre committed by the Islamic State against Egyptian Copts has raised talk about a new military intervention in Libya, while Egypt is calling for military action against the terrorists. Egypt
Fear of Shiites on the rise in Turkey The Justice and Development Party government is indifferent to the increase in Shiite-phobia in Turkey. Turkey
Tensions rise between Saudis, Russians Russia's controversial policies in the Middle East have brought increasing friction with Saudi Arabia — both in the region and inside Russia — to new heights. Saudi Arabia
Iran MP wants Washington Post journalist 'confession' aired A hard-line Iranian parliament member has accused the Hassan Rouhani administration of giving detained Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian access to sensitive areas. Iran
Israelis love to love their IDF chief of staff Israel's chief of staff is treated like a sacred cow, admired and loved by a public tired of corruption and political squabbles. Israel
Four years on, civilian deaths continue in Syria Civilians in Syria are paying the cost of the four-year conflict, often losing their lives, be it at the hands of the regime, opposition forces or jihadists. Syria
Egyptian tribes shift their approach to politics The 2011 revolution has changed tribes' relationship to the traditional political parties, leading some of them to vote for the Muslim Brotherhood and to nominate their own candidates. Egypt
Bibi's speech to Congress could tip electoral scale Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Zionist Camp Chair Isaac Herzog are practically in a tie, according to polls, but Netanyahu might tilt the balance with a charismatic speech to Congress. Israel
Lebanon holds IS at bay, for now The failure of the Islamic State’s plan to control territory and create an emirate in Lebanon bodes well, says a Lebanese security official who claims that Lebanon has clamped down on the major three terrorist hotbeds in the country. Lebanon
Hamas prevents Arabic fiction award finalist from leaving Gaza Palestian writer Atef Abu Saif has been nominated for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction but was stopped by security services from attending the announcement in Morocco. Palestine