Is Turkey driving down road to environmental disaster? The Turkish government’s Green Road Project has turned the quiet residents of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s home region into feisty street protesters as they struggle to protect the environment on which their livelihoods and traditions rely. Turkey
Egypt limits ability of imams to run for office A few Ministry of Awqaf-affiliated officials announced their intention to run for election, which brought about criticism by religious and political authorities about the extent to which the executive and legislative powers can mix. Egypt
Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon becomes battlefield for Fatah-Islamist conflict The precarious security situation in the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon has been reignited by recent clashes between the Fatah movement and Islamist militants inside the camp. Palestine
Shopping in Gaza's flea market Gaza’s markets offering secondhand goods are frequented by the poor and rich who are searching for high-quality goods at reduced prices. Palestine
New Istanbul bookstore-cafe focuses on Arab culture, refugee experience A small group of Syrian intellectuals has founded a bookstore-cafe in Istanbul, hoping to bridge cultures and promote Arab refugees' rich literary and cultural heritage. Syria
What's next for Abadi? Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's moderate path in implementing government reforms has kept the peace among the governing political parties. Iraq
Hunger-striking women's group hopes to bring peace to Israel Members of the Women Wage Peace movement — a group of women from all sectors, ages and communities — hope that their recent meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will add another layer to the public movement they are building for peace with the Palestinians. Palestine
Bibi's two-state solution: State of Israel and State of the Jews Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told peace activists that he is willing to go to Ramallah, knowing that his preconditions for such contacts will immediately dissuade Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas from extending him an invitation. Palestine
MK Svetlova: Abbas not ideal partner, but best we have now In an Al-Monitor interview, Zionist Camp Knesset member Ksenia Svetlova described Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as a "missed opportunity'' and laid most of the blame for the current diplomatic impasse on Israel. Palestine
Gaza's blind karate team dreams big A group of blind youths recently received their yellow belts in karate after only 21 days of training, and their concerned club is hoping to get enough funding to help the children eventually reach Arab and international levels. Palestine
Cairo tuk-tuk ban could leave commuters stuck-stuck Though millions of Egyptians rely on cheap and versatile auto rickshaws to get around, the government has banned the mini taxis in several Cairo neighborhoods after efforts to regulate them failed. Egypt
Assad’s 'reputation trap' for Moscow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in his fear of losing the support of Russia, may be backing Russia into a corner of sorts. Gulf
The unbearable lightness of media in Erdogan’s Turkey Police raids on pro-Gulen media outlets are seen as a prelude to suppressing the media opposed to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prior to the snap elections. Turkey
Iran negotiators defend deal at committee hearing Former and current Iranian negotiators testified before a special parliamentary committee and the Assembly of Experts. Iran
Turkey takes on the Islamic State ... in 40-page report Turkey's Directorate of Religious Affairs has issued a 40-page report that condemns not just the Islamic State, but also "political Salafism." Turkey
European countries to Turkey: We pay, you keep Syrian refugees Syrian refugees are the new ping-pong between EU countries and Turkey. Syria
