Former Iran FM warns of continued Iran-Saudi tensions In an interview with Al-Monitor, Iran's first foreign minister after the 1979 Islamic Revolution talked about the tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the Rouhani administration and the lack of respect for the law within the country. Iran
Zarif travels to Iran after nuclear talks with Kerry Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif departed nuclear talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry and P5+1 diplomats in Vienna June 28 for consultations in Tehran, as officials say they will need a few days past the June 30 deadline to try to conclude the nuclear deal. Iran
Did Khamenei blur his own red lines on sanctions? Supreme Leader Khamenei gives strong backing for Iran’s negotiating team heading into Vienna talks; Assad holds off on hitting Islamic State, for now; Israel forced to clarify position on Jabhat al-Nusra; Egypt seeks to counter Turkey’s role in Syria. Egypt
Did Khamenei demand immediate sanctions relief? Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s acknowledgement of the time necessary for the West to uphold its commitments gains great importance when put into the context of what he defines as “signing of the agreement.” Iran
What's behind Israel's easing of travel restrictions? As Israel eases restrictions on Palestinian Muslims visiting Jerusalem during the month of Ramadan, some see it as an extension of the occupation while better managing the crisis. Palestine
Internal differences within Fatah reach their peak The many currents within Fatah are at war as to whom should lead the movement and succeed President Mahmoud Abbas. Palestine
Herzog hangs his hat on natural gas issue During the election campaign, Zionist Camp leader Isaac Herzog concentrated on a diplomatic agenda, but now, following the electoral failure, he tries to position himself at the forefront of the natural gas debate. Israel
Syrian refugee influx leaves host countries vulnerable Local Lebanese activists as well as the United Nations are working to improve living conditions and opportunities for Syrian refugees. Lebanon
3-D animation comes to Gaza Producing 3-D animated films is not easy in Gaza City, where there is a scarcity of advanced technology and funding, but some young artists are going above and beyond to follow their passion. Palestine
Leaked cables show Gulf leery of Shiite expansion The Gulf states are concerned about the growing influence of Shiites in neighboring countries, expressing their fears of the relations established between the Shiites of Iran and Iraq and their own Shiite communities. Saudi Arabia
Al-Azhar goes online to fight extremism As terrorist groups mobilize young Muslims in cyberspace, religious institutions in Egypt are reviving religious discourse and recruiting technology to counter extremist ideas. Egypt
Will new Turkish government pursue Armenian opening? Opening the Turkey-Armenia border would benefit both countries economically, but ongoing tensions and the results of the June 7 elections in Turkey do not bode well for such a move. Turkey
State, Congress face off over Palestinian aid Key lawmakers want to block Palestinian Authority funds over cooperation with International Criminal Court probe. Palestine
US 'hopeful' on final Iran deal The United States sees a path to reaching a “very good” Iran nuclear deal, but tough decisions will have to be made, according to a senior US official, as John Kerry and Mohammad Javad Zarif were set to join the talks in Vienna. Congress
Iran's tea tradition Though tea came late to Iran, it has become ubiquitous in daily life in the country. Iran
Poor services in Egypt public hospitals come to light The decision of Egyptian Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehleb to transfer negligent physicians from hospitals in Cairo governorates to Upper Egypt has raised the ire of the public, which demands hospital reform. Egypt
