Thousands of years later, Egyptian passion for stargazing still burns bright Though the ancient Egyptians made significant achievements in astronomy, the field is languishing today, prompting one Egyptian scientist to lead popular field trips encouraging interest in space. Egypt
Abbas big loser in Palestinian National Council postponement The decision to postpone a planned emergency meeting of the Palestinian National Council signals an impending transition of power within the Palestinian movement. Palestine
Catholic Democrats leverage pope's visit to push for admitting more Syrian refugees Lawmakers hope pontiff's moral authority will overcome growing anti-Muslim sentiment. Syria
Four lessons that Netanyahu must learn from his failed strategies Throughout this past Jewish calendar year, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategic failures have rendered Israel more isolated in the diplomatic arena and more fragile in terms of deterrence, while the political echelon blames the media for it all. Israel
Yemen's African connection Amid the withholding of the details of the Emirati death toll in Yemen, African soldiers are set to step up their role in Operation Restoring Hope. Gulf
Rafsanjani emphasizes importance of political parties Ahead of the parliamentary elections, Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani seeks the strengthening of political parties. Iran
What exactly is Russia doing in Syria? Moscow's stance on the Syrian conflict reveals an ever-complicated web of alliances, armament and regional plays, widening the diplomacy gap between the United States and Russia on Middle East policy. Syria
How Bibi is attempting to brainwash the Israeli public The cancellation by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of all his scheduled Jewish New Year's interviews is just another step in his strategy, portraying him as an eternal victim of the leftist press, thus freeing him from responding to criticism even when legitimate. Israel
Iraqi political cartoonist draws trouble Iraqi cartoonists are targeted for their drawings that criticize corruption and Islamic political parties in the country. Iraq
Russia's expanding military presence in Syria Russia is apparently establishing its first air base in the Middle East, at Jableh, Syria, a move that would change the rules of the game in the region. Syria
Aid cuts keep PA stuck in economic rut The Palestinian Authority has been plagued by a protracted financial crisis amid thinning foreign aid and not enough local revenues to end the deficit. Palestine
Protesters destroy Hafez al-Assad statue in Suwayda The residents of the Syrian city of Suwayda took to the street in peaceful demonstrations in early September to voice their opposition to the rampant corruption and bad living conditions in the city. Syria
How Bibi's Iran obsession has damaged American-Jewish community's image By soliciting the aid of American-Jewish organizations to openly battle the Iran deal in the US Congress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu damaged the bipartisan image of the Jewish community in the United States. Israel
Should Hamas recognize Israel? Some factions within Hamas' political leadership think that recognizing Israel might be the only way to relieve the situation of the Gaza Strip and ensure the survival of the Hamas movement. Palestine
Meshaal calls for unity to achieve Palestinian goals Hamas political bureau head Khaled Meshaal proposes renewed efforts to overcome the current Palestinian crises. Qatar
Religious leaders divided over proposal to add movie theaters to mosques The head of an international association for Islamic preaching has proposed an initiative to annex theater halls to mosques in Egypt, stirring controversy among the country's religious institutions. Egypt
