Turkish cleric U-turns on million dollar Mercedes Turkey’s top official Islamic cleric has found himself in a tight spot after his decision to give up a flashy Mercedes under public criticism prompted a defiant Erdogan to send him an even more expensive car, complete with a pledge for a private jet. Turkey
Congress seeks to lift last restrictions on aid to Egypt The US House foreign aid bill eliminates previous requirements that Egypt hold "free and fair" parliamentary elections and take steps to foster democracy and protect human rights before $1.3 billion in military aid can be released. Egypt
Will elections change Turkey’s foreign policy? Many believe that if Erdogan is further empowered, Ankara’s foreign policy will remain turbulent. Turkey
Israel fears breakup of Syria Israeli experts are cautious about predicting events in Syria, but concede that despite losses by Hezbollah there, the organization might attack Israel unexpectedly from the Lebanese border. Israel
New Likud MK: BDS is 'form of terrorism' Likud Knesset member Anat Berko says that the bid to suspend Israel from FIFA ''is terrorism in every sense of the term,” calling on the government to fight the BDS movement, “just like we fight against terrorism.” Palestine
EgyptAir pilots fly amid troubled winds EgyptAir pilots are dissatisfied and feel undervalued amid relatively low salaries. Egypt
Islamic Jihad's coffers run dry The cutting off of economic support from Iran and the closing of smuggling tunnels to Egypt have left the Islamic Jihad unable to pay the salaries of its personnel. Palestine
Erdogan: Journalist will pay 'heavy price' The Turkish president is furious with the editor of Cumhuriyet for publishing photos of the contents of the infamous MIT trucks stopped en route to Syria, but even more outraged that his policy of intimidation is failing to silence media criticism. Syria
Congress deals blow to IS looting in Syria The House passed legislation that would make it illegal to import stolen artifacts. Iraq
Why are young Iranians losing interest in marriage? Societal and economic factors have led to a decline in marriage rates, despite the government's desire to see an increase in population. Iran
Iraq's growing grave market As death has become even more a part of daily life in Iraq with the increasing violence and terrorist attacks, people started marketing plots at Al-Salam Valley cemetery, which holds religious significance. Iraq
Turkish court stirs marriage debate Turkey’s Constitutional Court has ruled that a civil marriage is no longer compulsory for religiously married citizens, worrying civil groups about the implications for women's rights. Turkey
How some Armenians are reclaiming their Christian faith Armenians in Turkey, who for a century have been forced to conceal their identities, are trying to return to their roots. Turkey
P5+1 asked to interview Iran’s security council secretary Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani has said that the six world powers had requested to interview him as part of a comprehensive nuclear deal. Iran
Turkey plays down death toll of Kurdish youths The steady stream of Turkey's Kurdish youths killed while fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria have failed to make the news, further fueling tensions between the Turkish government and its Kurdish population. Syria
Russia and the nuclear-free zone While Russia blames the US, the UK and Canada for not supporting a recent international agreement on a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East, Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy firm is said to be exploring the options of providing Saudi Arabia with a nuclear power plant. Russia
