Gazans lighten up with laughter In light of the ongoing crises facing the Gaza Strip, some have turned to satire as a way of mitigating their suffering. Palestine
XXX trumps IS as Iraqi lawmakers focus on eradicating Internet porn A number of Iraqi parliamentarians recently signed a draft bill to block pornographic sites in the country, an effort some call a narrow approach to a complex issue. Iraq
Abbas must accept Gaza, West Bank will not unite A long-term truce between Israel and Hamas could perpetuate Gaza's separation from the West Bank, but that might be the price of dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians toward a future comprehensive agreement. Palestine
Israel's natural gas cartel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's adamance in pursuing a deal for exploiting Israel's natural gas, despite it being roundly criticized by regulators, appears to have tentacles to casino mogul Sheldon Adelson and the US-Israel Business Initiative. Israel
Historic Yemeni city struggles to survive war, corruption The ancient city of Zabid, located in Yemen’s western coastal plains, is threatened by the ongoing fighting in the country and the corruption of local officials. Yemen
Iraq's child soldiers Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units are following in the footsteps of Iran’s Basij in their recruitment and use of child soldiers. Iraq
Netanyahu playing chess, not checkers on Iran deal Behind closed doors, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concedes that he can't muster the required congressional majority to override a presidential veto on the Iranian nuclear deal and is therefore aiming for a "resounding moral majority." Israel
Even without sanctions, Iranian aviation faces turbulent future Iranian aviation is faced with multiple challenges, even in the aftermath of long-sought sanctions relief. Iran
Iran to export gas to Iraq soon, says Iranian official After the nuclear deal, Iran will need to deepen economic ties with Iraq, including the Kurdish Regional Government. Iraq
Violence in Turkey could push US to pick sides in Turkey, PKK battle The escalation of violence in Turkey is reaching such a magnitude that Turkey may not be an effective coalition partner against Washington’s priority, the Islamic State. Iraq
Aleppo's businessmen blame Turks for damaged factories, looted equipment While the large industrial complexes in northern Syria were once reminders of the strong economic ties between Ankara and Damascus, Aleppo's businessmen now hold Turkey responsible for the destruction and looting of their factories. Syria
Have sexism, attacking women become part of Turkish right's political strategy? Male chauvinism dominates mainstream media’s reactions to outspoken socialist female politicians and activists. Turkey
Will Abbas sever ties with Hamas for good? Tensions between Fatah and Hamas are escalating in light of recent accusations against President Mahmoud Abbas of monopolizing the decision-making process and making one-sided decisions. Palestine
Iraqi Christians take up arms to regain lost land Iraq’s Christians are taking up arms to reclaim land now controlled by the Islamic State, but some worry their efforts could worsen the sectarian divide and further complicate the struggle against the terror group. Iraq
Egyptians left in dark about secret abduction cases Secret abduction has been on the rise in Egypt since the June 30 Revolution, and families of the abducted are unable to find any information about their relatives. Egypt
Mystery surrounds Egyptian-Israeli trade ties Egyptian economic experts oppose an unconfirmed report in the Israeli paper Maariv that an Israeli factory might open in Egypt. Egypt