Gaza women shed veil, spark conversation Journalist Razan Madhoon has stirred debate about religiosity in the Gaza Strip by posting pictures of herself unveiled on Facebook. Palestine
Controversy surrounds alleged violations by Shiite forces in Tikrit Contradictory assertions have Iraqis divided on whether members of the Popular Mobilization Units are guilty of allegations that they looted and destroyed property in Tikrit during and after the city's liberation from the Islamic State. Iraq
Congressional terror finance task force targets Iran The potential lifting of sanctions has led Congress to seek other avenues to block Tehran from funding terror. Congress
Rouhani ignores domestic political reforms The nuclear negotiations have taken up a great deal of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's time, but domestic political reforms are what is needed for long-term change. Iran
Iran, Sudan fall out over Yemen The Saudi Arabian-led coalition against the Houthi rebels in Yemen has tested the decadeslong ties between Iran and Sudan. Saudi Arabia
The Kremlin's unexpected decisions Moscow’s current Middle East policy is characterized by, among other things, maintaining a strong focus on bilateral relations, striving to diversify or to develop relations with states that are at conflict and wishing to play a mediating role in conflict situations without claiming a monopoly or opposing other players, in particular the United Nations. Russia
Syria agrees to return highly enriched uranium to China The recent decision by Syria to modify a small HEU-fueled research reactor will advance the possibility of a Middle East free of the civilian use of weapons-grade uranium. Syria
Turkey’s foreign policy blunders hit home The Turkish ruling party’s economic and foreign policies have resulted in declining production and exports, with women emerging as the immediate victim of rising unemployment. Turkey
Lebanese army advances to secure border The Lebanese army has received a substantial arms shipment from the United States, allowing it to advance against terrorist groups in the mountainous border regions. Lebanon
Social divide widens between West Bank, Gaza Strip The inequitable distribution of resources and political and social opportunities between the West Bank and Gaza Strip is deepening the rift between the two territories, feeding people’s growing dissatisfaction on each side. Palestine
Egypt's religious book burning backfires The Ministry of Education official responsible for burning several books in the yard of a Giza school defended herself to Al-Monitor and asserted that she operated under the direction of the ministry and security agencies. Egypt
Shiite militias' role in Anbar fight unclear Although Shiite militia forces were withdrawn from the fight for Ramadi, they remain present and active in other areas of Anbar province. Iraq
The human cost of Yemen's war As the war on the streets of Yemen is raging, 5,000 Yemenis remain stuck abroad, while those inside are suffering and on the brink of facing a major humanitarian crisis with no solution in sight. Yemen
Erdogan's carefully crafted 'authenticity' After a short film promoting the commemoration of the Battle of Gallipoli was broadcast across Turkey, the Turkish media is buzzing with discussion, with many upset over what they see as the president’s blatant manipulation of military history for political gain. Turkey
Turkey’s Circassians in uproar over alphabet Turkey’s largest Circassian organization is infuriated by a government decision to introduce the Latin alphabet in Circassian language courses in public schools, alongside the Cyrillic one. Turkey
Israelis use social media to show solidarity with bereaved families Social networks have enhanced within Israeli society's expressions of solidarity with bereaved families, but could also create space for those who wish to undermine the hegemony of national bereavement and national remembrance. Israel
