Bibi fools everyone … except his wife Feeling that Israel is facing an ongoing existential threat, the public turns to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, mistakenly perceived as a security authority and a savior. Palestine
Turkey breaks new ground in southeast reconstruction Ankara will be entering potentially hazardous territory in its unprecedented plans for reconstruction in the Kurdish southeast. Turkey
Why hasn't Israel lifted the Gaza blockade? With Education Minister Naftali Bennett joining those objecting the continued Gaza blockade, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon must rethink their position. Palestine
Was Beirut airport threat real or political conspiracy? Some say rumors of a potential bombing at the Beirut airport could be designed to pressure Lebanon to agree on a political settlement to elect a president. Lebanon
Turkey issues new Friday prayer directive A government directive allowing public employees to take time off from work for Friday prayers has sparked questions about the future of Turkey’s secular system. Turkey
Senate Democrats use Trump card to block Syrian refugees bill The Senate defeated GOP-backed restrictions on refugee resettlement. Iraq
Who's winning in Iranian-Arab film festival battle? Censorship and neglect are contributing to the decline of Iran's flagship Fajr Film Festival. Iran
You won't believe how Egypt plans to stop January 25 protests Egyptians are split over a fatwa issued by the Ministry of Religious Endowments banning demonstrations on the fifth anniversary of the January 25 Revolution. Egypt
Khamenei condemns attack on Saudi Embassy Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calls the attack on the Saudi Embassy "very bad and wrong" and says thanking the United States for releasing Iranian funds would be like thanking a bully. Saudi Arabia
Is the KRG heading for bankruptcy? Iraq’s Kurds warn that unless Washington rides to their financial rescue, they cannot sustain their fight against the Islamic State. Iraq
Will Turkey's government start paying priests and rabbis? Non-Muslim religious leaders in Turkey cannot agree on whether to back efforts to get their personnel on the state payroll, which already supports the country's Muslim clergy. Turkey
Looking to snitch on your neighbors? Turkey will pay you for the info The Turkish government has hiked the pay of some elected leaders for providing intelligence about people in their neighborhoods. Turkey
Don't underestimate Iraqi nationalism The anti-IS campaign in Iraq has deepened sectarian divisions between Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish regions, but despite communal and political fractures, many communities remain loyal to the Iraqi state. Iraq
Is the US giving up on Israel? The unusually sharp tone of US Ambassador Daniel Shapiro's criticisms of Israeli policies toward the Palestinians has many wondering what it means for the future. Palestine
How long can Saudi Arabia afford Yemen war? The war in Yemen may prove just as dangerously costly for Saudi Arabia, where an economic downturn threatens its political system, as for Yemen, whose economy can only start to be revived when it ends. Saudi Arabia
Ramallah goes organic A popular Tuesday health food market in Ramallah is helping marginalized women and young farmers sell organic produce. Palestine
