Herzog: Abbas worries about 'losing control' of West Bank Israeli opposition chair Isaac Herzog told Al-Monitor that he urged Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to join the reported contacts between Israel and Hamas and work to create a larger package deal with Israel before he leaves politics. Palestine
Possibility of former IDF Chief of Staff Ashkenazi entering politics has the Israeli public cheering Yesh Atid head Yair Lapid, Zionist Camp leader Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are well aware that former Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi is extremely popular, which could encourage him to enter politics. Israel
Iran to Russia: Where are those missiles you promised us? Following Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif’s trip to Moscow, Iranian media has been abuzz with talk about the long-awaited delivery of a long-rang S-300 missile defense system, which is still being held up by Russia. Russia
Turkish, Iranian media trade barbs Analysts say angry reports and comments in the pro-government media of both sides reflect official thinking, but expect the legacy of maintaining relatively good ties between the two countries to prevail. Yemen
Thousands of teens enroll in Hamas summer camps Al-Qassam Brigades and Hamas have set up camps across the Gaza Strip where future generations of Palestinians can receive training on the Palestinian cause, the proper use of firearms and fighting Israel. Palestine
Not one student in 349 Jordanian schools passed critical exam The high failure rates of the General Secondary Educational Certification Exam, or Tawjihi, raised a debate in Jordan about the efficiency of the Education Ministry, the unqualified teachers and the high number of Syrian children attending Jordanian schools. Jordan
Now Erdogan is cooking up a coup to overthrow himself Erdogan has been promoting his “presidential system” as the way for Turkey. Now, without any amendment in the constitution, he is declaring it as a “de facto reality.” Turkey
Turkey's Temple of Apollo may decode gray mysteries of antiquity Recent restoration efforts at the Temple of Apollo in western Turkey seek to answer questions about the history of this ancient structure. Turkey
Israel must wake up and 'recognize reality' of Iran deal The crisis in Israeli-US ties following the Iranian nuclear agreement demands a fundamental shift in Israeli policy, including Israeli recognition of the deal and an immediate change in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s relationship with the White House. Israel
In bid to foster Iranian nationalism, Tehran launches first-ever Kurdish language program This fall, Kurdish language studies will officially be offered to university students in Iran, a move many see as the long overdue fulfillment of a constitutional right. Iran
Sisi sails into Suez on swanky yacht Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi sailed al-Mahrousa to inaugurate the expansion of the Suez Canal, making the historic craft the first to officially cross the waterway. Egypt
Israel increasingly isolated as Iran opens up to region Following its nuclear deal with world powers, Iran seems to be opening up to the world, including to its regional nemesis, Saudi Arabia, while Israel stands alone in the world in its opposition to the agreement. Gulf
Yazidi infighting, disputes over Sinjar stall battle against Islamic State Kurdish political parties have formed various armed forces that are fighting for control of Sinjar, which is still not out of danger from the Islamic State. Iraq
When does the concept of reality set in for Israeli children? Israeli puppeteers are divided over when children understand the difference between reality and make-believe. Israel
Israel to spend over $14 billion on defense in 2015, but where's it going? One Israeli MK vows to keep pressing for answers In an interview with Al-Monitor, Knesset member Karin Elharrar, chair of the Knesset’s State Control Committee, says she's not intimidated by the country’s leading generals and vows to continue inspecting the defense budget and demanding more transparency and efficiency. Israel
Moscow's revolving door of Arab monarchs, Syrian opposition Russia continues to navigate the complex process of tackling the Syria crisis, slating Damascus as a hopeful ally against the Islamic State. Syria
