Will nuclear deal help improve PA-Iran relations? The Palestinian Authority is exploring the benefits of bettering its relations with Iran following the nuclear deal as Iran’s influence on the international scene becomes more powerful. Palestine
Born behind bars: What it’s like to raise a baby in Gaza’s prisons Incarcerated women in Gaza, often ostracized by their families and communities, must relinquish their children to uncertain lives at 2 years of age. Palestine
Hammond's comments on Israel strike nerve in Iran The British foreign secretary visited Tehran for the reopening of the United Kingdom's embassy after four years, but his comments about Israel and Iran drew sharp criticism from Iranian officials. Israel
Was it a win or a loss? Checking Rouhani's midterm economic scorecard Halfway into his term Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has done well in terms of fulfilling his economic promises — but much remains to be done. Iran
Iraqis protest corruption, lack of services while politicians blame everyone but themselves Protests in Iraq demanding the implementation of reforms across the country have taken a political course and engendered sensitivities, especially at the sectarian level. Iraq
Will Erdogan’s big gamble pay off? Surveys suggest there is no certainty that early elections will produce the results Erdogan is banking on for his leadership ambitions. Turkey
Is Erdogan afraid of poking the IS bear? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has done little to censor the latest Islamic State video criticizing his government; does this mean that the ruling AKP could stand to benefit from publicizing the threat posed by the group? Syria
Is Nusra cooperating with Syrian opposition to support establishing safe zone on Syria-Turkey border? While the establishment of a safe zone along the Syria-Turkey border promises better living conditions for Syrian refugees, the politics and security concerns involved portend thinning prospects. Syria
Syrian official slams UN envoy's report According to information a Syrian official shared with Al-Monitor, it doesn’t seem the report on Syria that UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura submitted to the Security Council recently will have long-lasting effects on the ground. Saudi Arabia
Palestinian brothers look to tap into West Bank beer market Despite the troubled economy and stout competition from an established brand, one young Palestinian businessman convinced his family to join him in opening a new brewery in Birzeit. Palestine
More than a year on, who is to blame for the fall of Mosul? An Iraqi parliamentary report has faulted high-ranking political officials and military personnel for the fall of Mosul to the Islamic State and could provide Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi the ammunition he needs to push through government reforms. Iraq
World tunes out Netanyahu's broken record on Iran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's repeated opposition to an agreement with Iran has turned the world deaf to him, and if Iran does violate the deal's conditions, no one will listen to Israel's warnings. Israel
Hamas names new intelligence chief, sidesteps agreement with Fatah The Interior Ministry in Gaza recently announced the appointment of a new chief of intelligence and chief of staff, although some argue there is no precedent or statutory basis for such positions in the ministry. Palestine
Hamas: Israeli security measures won't stop attacks on settlers Israel has stepped up its security measures in the West Bank in response to increasing attacks by Palestinians against settlers, although Hamas says such efforts will not stop it. Palestine
New Russian arms deals could shake up Mideast market As Russia considers expanding in the Iranian and Saudi arms markets, the rest of the world is asking what such moves would mean for Moscow’s foreign policy and security role in the region. Saudi Arabia
Mixed reactions in Tehran to opening of UK embassy Iranian police confront members of the Basij as Britain reopens its embassy in Tehran. Iran
