The dirty war between Israel’s right-wing and left-wing NGOs Israeli human rights nongovernmental organizations object to an investigative report by Channel 2 that accuses an activist of plotting against Palestinian land owners selling their property to Jews but stained all the NGOs in the process. Palestine
Netanyahu offers royal welcome to new IDF submarine Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally welcomed Israel's fifth German-made submarine. Israel
Will tables turn in favor of youth in Palestine? The new Palestinian generation leading the intifada did not wait for instructions from political leaders, who may now have to look to the youth for direction. Palestine
US says Iran promised swift release of sailors An incident in which US sailors were held by Iran in the Gulf waters comes at a particularly sensitive moment, as implementation day for last year's nuclear deal is expected within days. Iran
Slump in oil prices wallops anti-IS coalition Failure to pay Iraqi and Kurdish forces hampers their ability to fight, Congress warned. Iraq
Egyptian calligrapher finds joy in making others happy A Coptic Christian calligrapher in Upper Egypt is putting his artistic talent to use for all faiths. Egypt
Can new initiative put an end to abuse at Egyptian orphanages? Amid mounting concerns over abuse and mistreatment, the Egyptian Social Solidarity Ministry has recently launched an initiative to end the violations committed at orphanages and other child care centers throughout the country. Egypt
MP Sadat is 'prepared to pay the price' to defend justice in Egypt Member of parliament Mohamed Anwar Esmat al-Sadat talks with Al-Monitor about the state of human rights in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood and the future of parliament. Egypt
How Lebanese banks are handling US sanctions on Hezbollah It remains to be seen whether US sanctions will hurt Hezbollah or merely inconvenience banks and their customers. Lebanon
Why Iran-Saudi fallout will be costly for Moscow The dispute between Iran and Saudi Arabia could promote instability throughout the Middle East, which will be especially problematic for Russia and its policy of not choosing sides. Saudi Arabia
Rouhani fires back at criticism of economic management Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has reminded critics that he is managing the country with oil near $30 per barrel, not the highs of the previous administration. Iran
Turkish-US ties face fresh turbulence over Iraq, Syria Washington’s demand that Turkey withdraw troops from Iraq and the US alliance with Syrian Kurds are potential flashpoints in US-Turkish relations. Iraq
Netanyahu runs against himself in Likud primaries Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently the only candidate in the upcoming Likud primary for party leadership that he initiated, and yet he still fears losing to blank ballots. Israel
Despite IS threat, Iraqi Kurdistan tries to lure tourists After instability brought about by IS nearly destroyed tourism in Iraqi Kurdistan, the government still hopes to benefit from years of investment in the sector. Iraq
Are reported Iran-Russia arms deals genuine? Despite numerous reports of talks on various Iran-Russia arms deals, it remains unclear whether such agreements are about to actually be signed or whether they are merely a form of psychological warfare. Russia
Ancient madrassa lies forgotten, neglected in Baghdad Neglect has turned the centuries-old site of what was once Baghdad's most prestigious cultural and scientific institution into a dusty old building suffocated by piles of debris and street vendors’ trolleys. Iraq
