Will Gaza’s public employees accept land in lieu of salaries? Hamas resorted to drastic measures to cater to the employee salary crisis, as the consensus government has been neglecting this issue since it was formed in 2014. Palestine
Erdogan gobbles up power in new Turkish government Turkey’s recently announced cabinet is stacked with loyal allies of the president, making it clear that this is the "government of Erdogan." Syria
Kerry, the tourist Secretary of State John Kerry has paid a visit to Israel amid an increasing wave of violence in Jerusalem and the West Bank, yet he has no new solutions to offer either side. Palestine
Who are 'Allah's lions'? A mysterious security force has taken the lead in operations in Turkey’s Kurdish areas, raising alarm with its heavy-handed methods and seemingly religious motivation. Turkey
Chest-thumping pundits relish 'messing with Putin' Jubilant reactions by pro-AKP pundits to Turkey downing a Russian jet were tempered by those of concerned AKP elites and a worried and satirical public. Turkey
Khamenei uses Tehran gas summit to slam US In meetings with world leaders, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned about US goals in the Middle East and Latin America. Regional
After Turkey's 'stab in the back' to Russia, will anyone support Ankara? After it shot down a Russian fighter jet, Turkey is unlikely to get much support from its allies. Syria
Will downing of Russia warplane thwart France’s efforts for broader anti-IS coalition? Turkey’s downing of a Russian warplane threatens to complicate French efforts to bolster closer Western coordination with Moscow in combating IS. Iraq
Iran has high hopes for slick new oil contract model Iran's soon-to-be unveiled oil contract is designed to attract foreign investment amid the toughest investment climate in years, but what distinguishes it from the current model contract? Iran
Turkey's embargo on YPG funerals A family finally triumphs over Turkey's embargo on the bodies of its citizens who were killed fighting for the Kurdish YPG against the Islamic State. Turkey
How one Palestinian is racing to get to the Olympics Palestinian fitness instructor hopes to make it to the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, despite discouragement from the Palestinian Olympic Committee. Palestine
In quest for statehood, Palestinians prepare security plans Preparing for statehood, Palestinian officials presented detailed security plans and strategies to retired American Gen. John Allen when he came for security talks in 2013-2014 as part of the Kerry peace talks. Palestine
Palestinian film directors face social, political obstacles Palestinian directors of documentary films hope to reach Arab and world film festivals, despite the political and social obstacles they face in Gaza. Palestine
After cracking down on media, is Turkey going after academic freedom? With a new regulation, Turkey’s private universities that are deemed as enemies of the state by the masters of the state may soon be confiscated by the state. Turkey
Jerusalem's citizens stand ground despite fears Israel's increased security presence in the Old City of Jerusalem has left some Palestinians there feeling anything but secure, so they are taking peacefully defiant measures to demonstrate their rights in the city. Palestine
How renewed Turkey-PKK conflict threatens the KRG The stability of Iraqi Kurdistan might again be at risk after the Turkish government, led by the AKP, launched its most extensive raids against PKK positions in years. Iraq
