How the Islamic State has helped the Middle East The expansion of the Islamic State has forced regional powers to cooperate and is in fact strengthening state governance in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
Syrians turn to virtual health clinic for medical help An online clinic founded by Syrian activists provides diagnoses and advice to Syrians unable to access medical assistance because of the war. Syria
6 reasons why Turkey's war against the PKK won't last There are six major reasons why Turkey's war with the PKK, which resumed July 24 after 2½ years of non-hostility, cannot be sustained. Iraq
Palestinian women up in arms against Israeli soldiers Palestinian women are trying everything in their power to protest land confiscations and other Israeli measures, and it seems they have no problem resorting to fistfights when children are at risk. Palestine
Syria diplomacy 'stuck' Hopes of the United States, Europe and Russia to try to ramp up Syria diplomacy in the wake of the Iran nuclear deal have stalled amid Saudi reluctance, and there has been no breakthrough after the flurry of recent diplomatic contacts between Washington, Moscow and Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Egypt begins rounding up dissidents under new terror law Under the new anti-terror law issued by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, several young Egyptians have already been arrested and could face sentences of 10 years in prison or even death. Egypt
Israelis forgo homemade wedding foods in favor of gourmet hummus, Galilean artisanal cheese Young Israeli newlyweds have moved on from the homemade wedding food of the '60s, the pastries of the '70s, and the glittery presentation of the '80s in favor of a fusion of world and local cuisines. Israel
How to rein in Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units There is an urgent need to organize the Popular Mobilization Units' various groups under the government’s control to avoid chaos and internal divisions that some parties might exploit to achieve their regional agendas. Iraq
Gaza’s children meet sad fate at amusement parks Children are falling victim to the lack of safety measures in amusement parks in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Iranian deputy foreign minister reasserts leadership on Syria, confidence in Hezbollah During a visit to Beirut, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein-Amir Abdollahian discussed Lebanese presidential elections and pressing regional issues, including relations between Washington, Riyadh and Moscow concerning Syria and the nuclear agreement. Gulf
Netanyahu is all talk and no action when it comes to helping refugees, asylum seekers In reaction to the flow of Syrian refugees, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu talks about “empathy for a human tragedy,” but when it comes to actions, as in the case of the Gaza Strip or the asylum seekers from Africa, he turns his back. Israel
Israel's opposition politicians head to 'political wilderness' The decline of the big political parties and the rise of personality driven parties are harming Israeli politics by devaluing being in the opposition, where accomplishing change for the public good requires determination. Israel
The new pulse of Gulf security The Iran nuclear deal and the summit between US President Barack Obama and Saudi King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud could signal a turning point in Gulf security. Saudi Arabia
The untold story of how Congress is helping save a Lebanese cultural jewel A US senator created the American Committee for Tyre 35 years ago, and now former Hill staffers are bringing it back to life. Lebanon
What will US-Saudi summit mean for Iranian policy in the Middle East? In a meeting Sept. 4 with US President Barack Obama, Saudi King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud was assured that the nuclear deal prevents Iran — whose influence in the region the kingdom is eager to counter — from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Saudi Arabia
Will King Salman’s visit to Washington reset US-Saudi relations? The joint statement released following King Salman's meeting at the White House with President Barack Obama Sept. 4 indicates that they discussed the region's most pressing issues including the Iran nuclear deal, the Syrian civil war, the fight against the Islamic State and the war in Yemen. Saudi Arabia
