Deciphering IS' strategy in latest Turkey attack The July 20 attack on Suruc was designed to send a strong message to Kurds, the United States and Turkey. Syria
Egypt's draft dodgers With Egypt ramping up the fight against armed extremists in the Sinai Peninsula, Egyptian youth are coming up with new ways to avoid military conscription. Egypt
Former insurgent Islamist leader's take on IS in Sinai In an interview with Al-Monitor, former Gamaa Islamiya leader Nageh Ibrahim says the Muslim Brotherhood ought to reach a reconciliation with the state. Egypt
Palestine's accidental gay rights activists Some Palestinian Facebook users' unwitting application of a rainbow filter celebrating gays' right to marry in the United States has raised heated debates around the taboo subject of homosexuality and the appropriateness of the rainbow symbol. Near East
Tribal massacre victims forced to negotiate with IS A year after a deadly attack by the Islamic State, tribesmen in Syria's Deir ez-Zor are trying to bring civilians back to their homes. Syria
Israeli superfood research could help Rwanda Rwandan agronomists are studying techniques developed by Israeli students for fast, cheap and simple cultivation of the superfood algae spirulina. Israel
Can Netanyahu get Congress to reject nuke deal? The United States and Israel are close allies, but the battle over the nuclear deal is getting fiercer by the moment. Israel
Iran MPs: Hamas visit to Saudi Arabia a 'mistake' While Iran has been a strong supporter of the Palestinian group Hamas, a trip by its leaders to Saudi Arabia has drawn warnings from Iranian politicians. Saudi Arabia
Israeli media drowns out pro-Iran-deal voices Israeli politicians condemning the agreement with Iran have monopolized the conversation in Israel. Israel
Israel's failed prisoner release policies Israel's policy of expelling released prisoners outside the West Bank has only encouraged them to resume terror activity. Palestine
Turkey needs to drop its dead-end foreign policy Former diplomats say Ankara should act urgently with its NATO allies to face the new threats that have emerged to its security from groups like the Islamic State. Syria
Archaeological excavations in Iraq continue despite security chaos In spite of the precarious situation in Iraq, a series of excavations is still uncovering the buried historical ruins in Iraq, where the ruins of Ur are only a sample of the landmarks that are yet to be unveiled. Iraq
Are Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units heroes or villains? Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units are facing criticism while the fighters' political role continues to evolve. Iraq
Champions to the rescue! Superheroes roam the streets of Egypt Since the revolution, Egyptians have been hoping a hero would come and save them from their daily problems, giving rise to projects launched by artists and citizens about superheroes roaming the streets of Egypt. Egypt
Lebanese, UN fall out over refugee registration Lebanese officials have criticized UNHCR efforts to register Syrian refugee births, arguing that the country is at capacity. Lebanon
Regime forces tighten noose on opposition in Zabadani The Syrian army, assisted by Hezbollah, is making gains in the city of Zabadani against opposition fighters, who have barricaded themselves in the old town. Syria
