Israelis reflect on dangers of 'unjustified hatred' On Tisha B'av, religious and secular Jews gather to debate the issue of bigotry and the often difficult relations between the many diverse sectors of Israeli society. Israel
International intrigue surrounds missing Czechs in Lebanon Speculation has it that the disappearance of five Czech nationals in the Bekaa Valley is connected to an alleged Lebanese smuggler who is wanted by the United States, is being detained in Prague and has supposed ties to deposed Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. Lebanon
Burns: Implementation key to Iran nuclear deal The first year of implementation of the Iran nuclear deal will be especially critical to ensuring its success and durability over the long haul, former US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns tells Al-Monitor. Iran
Lebanon sees green future in ecotourism Ecotourism could potentially turn into a sustainable source of income for Lebanon, and some organizations have been coordinating efforts to develop the field. Lebanon
Salehi speaks on 'secret side deal' with IAEA In an interview with Iranian state television, Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, talked about the agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency of how the inspections of specific sites will be handled. Iran
Turkish private sector gears up for Iran push An end to international sanctions against Iran raises strong commercial prospects for Turkish companies on the Iranian market. Turkey
Is PKK real target of Turkish strikes? Turkey’s decision to open two fronts, against the Islamic State and the PKK, complicates US cooperation with Kurds in Syria. Iraq
Egypt’s journalists worry new anti-terror law could send them to jail Egypt’s new draft anti-terrorism law is not sitting well with journalists, who claim the law is unnecessary and violates the rights of the Egyptian people. Egypt
Erbil-Baghdad oil relations swing between deal, no deal Tensions are still high between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government over oil exports. Iraq
The case for releasing Pollard US authorities deny any linkage between the Iran deal and the fact that it won't oppose the release of convicted spy Jonathan Pollard later this year. Israel
Former Shin Bet chief: Diplomatic stalemate keeps Bibi in power Yaakov Peri tells Al-Monitor that the Israeli government is stable since the outgoing US administration has formulated its legacy and there is no diplomatic initiative to be opposed by right-wing coalition members. Palestine
Arab Knesset leader: Don't call me 'a demographic problem' In an interview with Al-Monitor, Joint List Chair Ayman Odeh argues that calling for the preservation of a Jewish majority in Israel excludes Arabs from public discourse. Israel
Travel permits aim to manage, not solve, Palestine-Israel conflict Palestinians were granted permits to travel to Israel for the Eid al-Fitr holiday, but larger issues remain. Palestine
Gazan society comes together on stage A recent play in Gaza, produced by a liberal director of modern works and the Hamas-affiliated Palestinian Artists Association, gives hope for a revival of an inclusive theater scene in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Syrian refugees in Armenia 'stumble from one crisis to another' Syrians of Armenian origin who fled Aleppo are finding it difficult to cope with their new situation in Armenia. Syria
Erdogan’s shift on Islamic State linked to Kurdish gains in Syria Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan finally takes on the Islamic State while attacking PKK bases in northern Iraq; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu now the only US ally actively opposing Iran deal; Israel faces pressure to forgo demolition of Palestinian village. Palestine
