Israeli minister: We must strengthen control over East Jerusalem In an interview with Al-Monitor, Likud Minister Zeev Elkin called on the government to direct more resources to East Jerusalem and sanction Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Fatah if they continue their incitement against Israel. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Why Syrian opposition rejected the UN's plan for Syria The Syrian political and military opposition factions have shown, in a first-of-its-kind movement, unity in rejecting Staffan de Mistura’s plan to form committees that would work with both the opposition and the Syrian regime. By Asaad Hanna
Jerusalem’s intifada takes its toll A political process that addresses the national issues of Jerusalem’s Palestinians and reaches permanent understandings of the administration of holy sites is crucially necessary in light of the ongoing wave of violence. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Islamist party to boycott Egyptian parliamentary election The Islamist Strong Egypt Party has called for a boycott of the 2015 parliamentary elections, but critics say the move will not hurt the legitimacy of the new parliament. By Ahmed Ateyya
Old City, new problems: Palestinian merchants lament decrease in tourist revenue The recent attacks and demonstrations in Jerusalem have affected the economy, according to Palestinian merchants in the Old City. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Is it time for a surge in Syria? A group of current and former US officials concludes that current US policy toward the Islamic State is not working, and that more needs to be done in both the diplomatic and military spheres to end the Syrian civil war. By Barbara Slavin
Will Palestinians choose all-out war? The Palestinian leadership is contemplating a return to the "1948 strategy" of all-out confrontation with Israel. By Uri Savir
Terror in Turkey Unless Turkey changes priorities, it will be more vulnerable to Islamic State attacks. By Cengiz Candar
Iran’s careful balancing act As Iran gives final approval to move forward with implementing the Iran nuclear deal, it is holding back for now on expanding contacts with the United States to discuss regional crises, wary of US influence and seeking to preserve internal balance. By Laura Rozen
Will Rouhani end the $15 monthly handout to citizens? Five years after its initiation, monthly cash handouts to citizens continue to burden the Iranian government. Will Rouhani finally end this program? By Alireza Ramezani
Russia rising From its new international stage in Syria, Russia is examining its options to determine which could bring it closest to securing a place as a political powerhouse. By Maxim A. Suchkov
Zarif calls for talks with Saudi Arabia Speaking with Arab media, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that Iran and Saudi Arabia have the same interests and challenges and should work together. By Arash Karami
Is Israel violating the Geneva Convention? In light of the recent security escalation in Jerusalem, Israel has resumed its house demolition policy, violating international law. By Ahmad Melhem In Ramallah, reporting on politics
Israelis fear violence on soccer fields Despite much-publicized attacks on soccer fields, experts insist that the number of such incidents has actually diminished to the point that more women and children are attending matches. By Yuval Avivi
Why some in Egypt are banning campaign photos of female candidates The Nour Party is being criticized for banning campaign photos of female Coptic candidates running on its parliamentary electoral lists. By George Mikhail
The failure of Palestinian leadership in Israel Once the rising star of Arab politics in Israel, over the past few days Knesset member Ayman Odeh has shown that he lacks real leadership, choosing to follow the voices that call for violence. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics