Is Iran deal stopping regional cooperation? Despite the nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers, it appears that an improvement in Saudi-Iranian relations in the short term is unlikely, if not impossible. Saudi Arabia
Russian role in Syria still anyone's guess It's difficult to tell how involved Russia plans to become in fighting terrorism in the Middle East, let alone how it might approach such an undertaking. Syria
Do Erdogan’s post-Moscow visit remarks indicate change in Syria policy? Following talks with his Russian counterpart, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vaguely hints at a change in Ankara’s position on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Turkey
Khamenei condemns Saudi Arabia for hajj stampede Iranian officials have blamed Saudi management of the hajj for the stampede that left at least 125 Iranians dead. Gulf
Putin supports Erdogan in Turkey, but not in Syria Despite his perceived alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan came back from his trip to Moscow disappointed. Turkey
Ultra-Orthodox war against Jews ascending Temple Mount Ultra-Orthodox leaders generally agree that Jews should not ascend the Temple Mount, but a growing number of Orthodox-Zionist rabbis support Temple Mount activists in their campaign to ascend, for nationalist reasons. Palestine
A weakened Abbas cannot save Hamas The Hamas movement should have realized long ago — not now that it is too late — that it cannot survive without the rule of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas over both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Palestine
What 'bombshell' will Abbas drop at upcoming UN speech? Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has promised a dramatic declaration at the coming UN General Assembly that some believe will include an ultimatum to Israel: Freeze settlement building or assume responsibility for security throughout the West Bank. Palestine
Senate lays off Iranian banks in latest draft of post-deal bill The latest iteration of Sen. Ben Cardin's pending legislation addresses many — but not all — of its critics' concerns Congress
How Palestinian security forces are cracking down on their own people The Palestinian security forces in the West Bank are often put in an unenviable position when having to suppress their own people, particularly when it comes to protecting Israelis. Palestine
Why do Iranian hawks keep circling over Zarif? With Iran disappointed with US actions in the region following the nuclear deal, prospects for broader dialogue appear dimmed. Iran
Have spies infiltrated Iranian media? Twelve conservative Iranian Parliament members wrote in a statement to the Intelligence Ministry that it must take action against spies that have infiltrated the media. Iran
Soaring bad debts sound alarm in Turkey Political uncertainty and conflict with the PKK are taking their toll on the Turkish economy, with the number and value of bounced checks on the rise, threatening company bankruptcies and fresh woes in the banking sector. Turkey
West Bank wall threatens Palestine’s flora, fauna The wall Israel is building in the West Bank is taking a toll on nature and animals. Palestine
As Turkey's students head back to class, many fear escalating violence Millions of students in Turkey are set to return to school Sept. 28, and their families are deeply concerned that the students will be in danger if clashes worsen between the government and PKK. Turkey
Gazans consider the Strip 'unhabitable' now A UN report has warned that Gaza may become uninhabitable by 2020, yet according to some Gazans the precarious security and living conditions make the coastal strip already unlivable. Palestine
