Tunisia’s LGBT activists push forward The LGBT community in Tunisia is seeking to abolish Article 230 — which bans sodomy and under which homosexuals are arrested — despite little support from the government and society. Tunisia
Kerry enlists Netanyahu in congressional fight over UNESCO funding Israel has dropped its opposition to restoring UNESCO budget despite Palestinian statehood vote. Congress
US presidential candidates speak out on Syria The leading US presidential candidates have differing positions on Syria, combating the Islamic State and the admission of Syrian refugees to the United States. Jordan
Turkey prepares for Trump presidency Many Turks believe Donald Trump will become the next US president, and that his animosity toward Muslims and other minorities represents not just popular but also official American views. Turkey
Why are Israeli ministers playing political games with poor children? Instead of reflexively blaming cuts to child benefits during the last government for growing poverty in Israel, Ministers Aryeh Deri and Moshe Kahlon should propose constructive measures and follow up on recommendations made in 2014. Israel
Is PA on verge of collapse? There has been speculation that Israel is preparing to possibly dissolve the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank against the backdrop of the violent attacks against Israeli soldiers. Palestine
Will changes to US Visa Waiver Program torpedo Iran deal implementation? If signed into law, proposed changes to the Visa Waiver Program will likely antagonize US allies and trade partners, as well as key players vested in the implementation of the JCPOA. Iran
East Jerusalem theater fights to keep doors open The Palestinian theater El-Hakawati, the only cultural institution of its kind operating in East Jerusalem, is drowning in debt and faces closure yet another time. Palestine
Former prisoners opening Palestinians' eyes onto Israel Palestinians who learned Hebrew while in Israeli prisons have established research and language centers in Gaza for Palestinians to learn Hebrew and about Israeli affairs. Palestine
How one Egyptian plans to rev up tourism Software engineer Ali Abdo decided to use his hobby to help his homeland, launching an initiative to encourage people to visit Egypt by riding his motorcycle across the country and taking pictures of touristic sites. Egypt
4 ways Russia could retaliate against Turkey Russia is mulling its limited options for dealing with Turkey without hurting itself in the process. Turkey
Will Iran support the intifada? After relations took a hit from the Syrian civil war, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has reached out to Iran for help. Palestine
More veils lift as topic loses political punch in Iran In Iran, efforts to depoliticize the veil and criticism of the theological justifications for its coerced use are paving the ground for change. Iran
Gazans explore Sufism Sufism is found in several Gaza cities, but some claim the sect is not Muslim. Palestine
The Grinch who stole Palestinian Christmas In light of the ongoing intifada, the municipality and Council of Churches of Ramallah decided to show solidarity by limiting manifestations of joy during the Christmas holiday season. Palestine
Is Fatah planning the intifada? Elements within the Fatah leadership warn that they might take the lead of the violent intifada "to capture international attention" and "to influence Israeli public opinion by demonstrating that occupation has its price." Palestine
