Awaiting 'white smoke' in Vienna An Iranian source tells Al-Monitor that it is Iran, not the US Congress, that needs reassurances as nuclear talks in Vienna approach the deadline. Iran
Did Moscow’s 'air defense' diplomacy land Saudi deal? After decades of disappointment, it appears Russia might finally become an arms supplier to Saudi Arabia, after also reaching deals with Iran and Egypt. Gulf
Israel, Hamas negotiate, but truce still far off Israel and Hamas are directly and indirectly discussing the possibility of a long-term truce, and their main point of convergence is the quest to weaken the Ramallah leadership. Palestine
Why are Israelis uninterested in diplomatic debate? Rocket fire from Gaza on southern towns has restarted already. Benjamin Netanyahu’s promises for creative diplomatic initiatives were not followed by action, and yet, the Israeli public seems unconcerned by the next conflict in Gaza. Palestine
How stronger Russia-Saudi ties may be threat to Assad The recent visit of Saudi Arabia’s deputy crown prince to Russia suggests a possible progression in Saudi-Russia relations. But what implications could such an alliance have on regional conflicts, particularly the Syrian crisis? Saudi Arabia
Iranian newspaper warns against showing enthusiasm for US The Kayhan paper, sensing a nuclear deal is imminent, is worried about certain media outlets depicting the United States in a positive light. Iran
Marianne flotilla reflects Turkey's changed Israel stance With a new geopolitical setup in the Middle East and the regional focus on Syria rather than on Gaza, the Marianne flotilla was intercepted by the Israeli navy without "significant media coverage" for this protest. Palestine
Jerusalem youth chorus bridges Israeli-Palestinian divide A rare group of Israeli and Palestinian teenagers brings a mixture of musical styles and political grievances to a 3-year-old choir that is just completing its first tour in the United States. Palestine
West Bank charity still fills ancient duty, hungry stomachs For a millennium, an almshouse in Hebron has offered food for the needy all year round, and its activities become all the more vital during the holy month of Ramadan. Palestine
Gaza’s landfills threaten citizens' health Amid a lack of an advanced system to sort out hazardous household waste, experts deem Gaza’s current waste disposal operations unhealthy, causing a serious threat to public health. Palestine
Al-Azhar rewrites curricula Based on recommendations by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Al-Azhar University in Cairo is taking steps toward updating the religious discourse it teaches to its students through revising curricula and minimizing references to distorted concepts of jihad and extremism. Egypt
Ultra-Orthodox now willing to wait tables After years of shunning jobs like waiting tables and sales, traditionally viewed as "undignified" by the ultra-Orthodox in Israel, many members of the community who recently entered the labor market have joined the service industry. Israel
Yazidis dream of Europe About 20,000 Yazidis who have fled from the Islamic State and became refugees in Turkey are now hoping, perhaps in vain, to reach Europe. Turkey
Lebanese art program empowers Tripoli girls The girls at a Catholic school in Tripoli are gaining confidence through the Cross Arts program to express themselves with graffiti and other forms of art. Lebanon
Post-election Erdogan cannot regain power he lost If Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pushes for snap elections, he may be disappointed with the results. Turkey
Was Reyhanli attacked to oust Turkish spy chief? Leaked court documents about the worst terror attack in Turkey have revealed that Turkish security forces failed to act on 13 official warnings from the intelligence service. Turkey
