The high price of Russian bombs in Syria Russia’s use of blind aerial bombings could win the war in Syria cheaply, yet at a great cost. Syria
Why is Israel's culture minister cutting funding to culture? Culture Minister Miri Regev threatens to withdraw funding of the 48 mm Tel Aviv film festival dedicated to the Nakba. Palestine
Gazans' dark secret? They've become chocoholics Chocolate used to be on the Israeli list of banned items, but not anymore, as chocolate shops have been proliferating in light of the increasing demand in Gaza. Palestine
Will Israel's military intervene in the West Bank? Palestinians question the reasoning behind calls for an Israeli "Operation Defensive Shield 2," given the lack of available targets and unclear objectives. Palestine
You won’t believe what these Iraqi taxi drivers are using to prevent carjackings In Iraq, organized crime is proliferating in light of lax security measures, a fragile political situation and control by the Islamic State of large swaths of territory. Iraq
Will Iranians watch Saudi-financed Persian TV? Hoping to reach an Iranian audience, Saudi Arabia is moving to focus more on Persian-language media, but the kingdom has little advantage in an already saturated market. Saudi Arabia
Will Iran play peacemaker between Russia, Turkey? Given Tehran's ties to both countries, Iranian officials discuss the potential for Iran to mediate between Russia and Turkey. Turkey
Leader of Egypt's winning party outlines what's next In an interview with Al-Monitor, Free Egyptians Party's acting President Essam Khalil discusses the party’s plan following its victory in the first and second stages of the parliamentary elections. Egypt
How one Turkish village became rich overnight Many impoverished villagers in Turkey’s mainly Kurdish southeast have made a fortune selling chunks of a meteorite after one exploded in September, while tax inspectors gripe about not receiving their share. Turkey
Will Fatah, Hamas take Egypt's road to unity? Hamadeh Faraneh, a PNC and PCC member, revealed an Egyptian plan to achieve Palestinian unity between Fatah and Hamas, among other goals, and talks details about this in an interview with Al-Monitor. Palestine
Stepping back 1,300 years into Iraq's Ukhaidir palace The historical Fortress of Al-Ukhaidir is collapsing because of natural causes and the Iraqi state’s neglect. Iraq
Gazans fight for their right to party The Gaza Interior Ministry issued a ban on parties and events being held on main roads because of complaints about loud music and street closures. Palestine
How the Islamic State hurts Palestinian cause The Palestinians fear that the international preoccupation with the Islamic State threat offers the Netanyahu government a possible argument for evading serious negotiations for a two-state solution and to gain more ground with its right-wing base. Palestine
Why Bibi used Paris climate talks to focus on terrorism, not environment In Paris for the COP21 climate summit, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu devoted his talks mostly to the issue of combating terror. Israel
Is US preparing to crack down on IRGC? A key House panel is inching closer to slapping additional sanctions on the IRGC. Congress
New report confirms Iran's nuclear weapons program In a crucial new report by the IAEA, Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog agreed to disagree about key aspects of Iran’s nuclear program. Iran