Kerry counselor expected to succeed Sherman in key job State Department Counselor Tom Shannon, a former US ambassador to Brazil, is expected to be picked to succeed Wendy Sherman as under secretary of state, US officials tell Al-Monitor. Iran
Will Iran's new mortgage plan stimulate housing market? New plans to increase the ceiling for mortgages in Iran creates unnecessary bureaucracies and is not enough to stimulate demand in the housing market. Iran
Turkish civic society mobilizes against election fraud Turkish civic groups such as Vote and Beyond prepare for stringent monitoring of the June 7 elections, given that even minuscule vote-rigging could have a huge impact on the country’s future. Turkey
Iran MPs try to sidestep Guardian Council oversight Iranian MPs attempted to pass a bill that would reduce the Guardian Council's powers in the 2016 parliamentary elections. Iran
Modern Turkish baths not just for scrubbing Turkish baths are enjoying a revival among trendy urbanites with modern amenities and services. Turkey
Sales of Turkish property to foreign buyers reaches $4.3B in 2014 Foreign real estate purchases in Turkey have reached more than $16 billion over the past six years, hitting an all-time annual high last year. Turkey
Kahlon's election promise blunder Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon won 10 Knesset seats after promising to dismantle monopolies and share more equally natural resources, but this promise is now questioned in view of his friendship with a leading Israeli businessman. Israel
Two Israeli mayors consider leadership run Two mayors, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat and Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai, are contemplating challenging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Isaac Herzog. Israel
Ramadi's displaced find restrictions, not refuge, in Baghdad The exodus of displaced people fleeing Iraq's Anbar province after the Islamic State imposed its control there should be an opportunity for the Iraqi government to unify efforts of all sects in the face of terrorism. Iraq
Hamas seeks reconciliation with Salafists Faced with numerous security challenges, Hamas leaders appear to have settled on reconciliation with Salafists in Gaza rather than force of arms. Palestine
Palestinian prisoners resort to hunger strikes Hunger strikes by Palestinian detainees are sweeping Israeli prisons in protest of what looks like a pattern of abusive administrative detention rulings. Palestine
Syrian opposition defends eastern Ghouta situation In an interview, Jaish al-Islam spokesman Capt. Islam Alloush told Al-Monitor that the group is confident its goals will be achieved in besieged eastern Ghouta as it is transforming its "militia into a real army." Syria
Jordanians protest Israeli gas deal Jordanians continue to oppose the natural gas deal struck with Israel, arguing that it threatens the country’s economic and political independence. Israel
Existential threats don't diminish Israeli happiness Although confronted with security threats, unemployment, high cost of living, discrimination against minorities and increased crime, Israelis' warm family and social ties make them feel happy. Israel
Reformist media welcomes rare appearance of Hajjarian The presence of Saeed Hajjarian, the main Reformist theoretician, has energized Reformist media. Iran
Turkey restricts academic research on Syrian refugees Turkey's Interior Ministry now requires academics to get prior approval before conducting research on the country's 2 million Syrian refugees. Syria
