Lebanon reaps weapons windfall from Congress The tiny state has gone from pariah to partner thanks to the Islamic State. Saudi Arabia
Palestine’s UN envoy: Multilateralism is the way forward In a recent interview Palestinian envoy to the UN Riyad Mansour stipulated that if the Israeli-Arab conflict is not addressed, any plan for peace in the region is futile. Palestine
Tunisian prime minister promises economic, security reforms The head of Tunisia’s government says the country will have a new investment code soon and that despite emergency measures to deal with terrorism, there is no going back to authoritarianism. Tunisia
Iranian hard-line newspaper falls out of Khamenei's favor Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei seems to be breaking ties with the hard-line Kayhan newspaper, long understood to be his mouthpiece. Iran
Imprisoned 'economic basij' pleads case to Rouhani Babak Zanjani, the former "economic basij" imprisoned for allegedly using international sanctions to keep $2 billion from the Oil Ministry, has claimed innocence in a letter to President Hassan Rouhani. Iran
Davutoglu proposes refugee 'container city' Davutoglu, while advocating a container city for refugees in a safe zone, is ignoring the serious risks it would entail. Syria
Why have PKK cemeteries become a target? Kurdish militants in Turkey are accused of using cemeteries as military bases and ammunition depots. Turkey
Even clerics are joining Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units The phenomenon of clerics joining Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units to fight the Islamic State, while deemed beneficial by many, remains controversial. Iraq
Al-Aqsa tensions straining Palestinian solidarity The Palestinian Authority's repressive approach to recent demonstrations is leading some to wonder whether popular anger against Israel might soon be turned against Palestinian security forces. Palestine
Why one Arab Knesset member provoked Israeli police on the Temple Mount The outburst by Knesset member Jamal Zahalka on the Temple Mount this week reveals the dangerous game he is playing at the sacred site, staging himself as a victim while world leaders gather at UN headquarters. Palestine
Death of Egyptian author who drove across Israel leaves void in Israeli-Egyptian relations The Egyptian satirist Ali Salem was more than just a true friend to a number of Israelis — he was the apostle of a warm peace. Egypt
Congress hesitant to share IS intelligence with Putin, Assad Lawmakers are ambivalent about greater cooperation in countering foreign fighters. Syria
Turkey's Middle East policy 'fiasco' Ankara wants to set up three cities for refugees on the Syrian side of the border with EU funds, but suspicions linger about its true intentions. Turkey
Iranian sources confirm Zarif, Obama handshake Iranian sources have confirmed the handshake between Iran's foreign minister and the US president, although they said it was not planned. Iran
Pedal power gets Turkish makeover Turkish activists put heels on wheels to encourage women to ride bicycles for transportation, health, empowerment and a cleaner environment. Turkey
Abbas turns to Russia It seems Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is asking Russia to step up its role in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as the United States is slowly retreating from dealing with the region's issues. Palestine
