Many Gazans are turning to fraud to obtain assistance Harsh economic conditions are forcing many Gazans to use deceptive methods to obtain aid, otherwise reserved for pregnant women, unemployed breadwinners and refugees. Palestine
Iraq’s Shiite forces claim victory over IS Sheikh Akram al-Kaabi, the leader of Hezbollah al-Nujaba, a major Iraqi Shiite resistance movement fighting IS, tells Al-Monitor in an exclusive interview that his group will target US planes if they get near his forces. Iraq
West Bank refugee camp threatens Palestinian leadership Clashes between armed militants and Palestinian security forces in the West Bank's Balata camp could threaten the existence of the Palestinian government. Palestine
90% of Iran MPs: All sanctions must be removed 260 members of parliament signed on to a statement saying that, in case of a nuclear deal, all sanctions against Iran must be removed. Iran
Netanyahu ignored socio-economic issues Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enjoyed a reputation of a strong-willed finance minister who can change the system, but has failed in harnessing these capabilities into confronting the dire socio-economic situation. Israel
Arab countries hope to influence G-20 agenda An Istanbul economic forum highlighted Arab countries' aims to be included in the G-20 summit to be held in Turkey in November 2015. Turkey
Islamic State erases centuries of history According to a sociology professor, extremist groups such as the Islamic State seek to return society to the early Middle Ages, when little to no art, science and culture existed. Iraq
Israel's election focuses on politics of fear With right-wing politicians calling Arab Israelis a fifth column, and a Joint List candidate comparing Zionism to the Islamic State, it seems that the common denominator in the Israeli elections is hatred of the other. Palestine
With men out of work, Syrian women become sole providers Syrian women have had to find a way to face the hardships of being refugees and still find a way to provide for their families. Jordan
Turkish independent women don't need to put a ring on it The stigma of being an old maid is slowly fading in Turkey. Turkey
Pakistan warns Turkey: Don’t make our mistakes The chairman of the Pakistani Senate's Defense Committee has cautioned that Turkey is repeating in Syria Pakistan's missteps in Afghanistan. Turkey
Can Gaza's Islamic Jihad ease tensions with Egypt? Palestinian Islamic Jihad has been exerting efforts to open the Rafah crossing, angering Hamas, which believes the initiative will divide the Palestinian resistance. Palestine
Egypt's election delay leaves foreign investors uncertain Economists say that the delayed Egyptian parliamentary elections might discourage foreign investors, whose first consideration is stability in Egypt. Egypt
Canal project from Dead Sea to Red Sea makes waves The Bahrain canal project to link the Dead Sea to the Red Sea seems to be of great benefit to Israel, while Palestinians will mostly be affected negatively, politically and environmentally. Palestine
Despite congressional threats, Iran negotiators resume talks US and Iranian negotiators are meeting in Lausanne to work toward a potential nuclear deal. Iran
Mazal Mualem on why she writes Al-Monitor contributor Mazal Mualem shares her thoughts on journalism. Israel
