Can Iraq curb tribal disputes? Tribal conflicts in Iraq are complicating the struggle against the Islamic State, threatening to thin the central government's security capacities. Iraq
How the Israeli government funds right-wing groups In response to the "transparency bill" designed to hamstring watchdog and human rights associations, opposition Knesset member Tamar Zandberg has initiated a bill requiring all associations to disclose their public funding sources. Israel
How new Israeli settlements will lead to more violence The United States, European Union and Palestinians have condemned an Israeli plan to build a settlement that could be the tipping point toward more violence and terror. Palestine
US lets two Iran banks off UN sanctions list The United States, in a confidence-building gesture with Iran, did not block a Venezuelan request to delist two Iranian banks from a UN Security Council sanctions list. Iran
Will Iran, Saudi Arabia patch things up? Amid rising tensions following Saudi Arabia’s move to cut diplomatic relations with Iran, the question appears of whether the time has come for efforts to bridge the divide — or whether it’s too soon. Saudi Arabia
Khamenei questions US commitment to nuke deal As implementation of the nuclear deal begins, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that the United States may not live up to its obligations. Iran
Lebanon’s Christian foes become friends Michel Aoun and Samir Geagea, the two Lebanese Christian leaders, finally turn the page on their historical bloody feud and have agreed on backing Aoun for president. Lebanon
Ankara plays favorites with Iraqi, Syrian Turkmens Ankara could face a nationalist backlash at home for favoring the Kurds over the Turkmens in Iraq. Iraq
Will Renaissance Dam flood Egypt's Mediterranean coast? The author of a current study says Ethiopia must agree to change the Renaissance Dam's design to prevent serious environmental repercussions for itself, Egypt and Sudan. Egypt
Hamas stifles Gazans' giggles The recent arrest of two satirists in Gaza points to increasing restrictions on freedom of expression due to Hamas' insecurity. Palestine
What will happen to Iraq’s Mandaeans? In an interview with Al-Monitor, the first Iraqi woman to head a religious endowment, Nadia F. Maghamiss, talks about her plan to empower women of all sects and about the future of the Mandaeans, one of Iraq’s many religious minorities. Iraq
Kurdish leader warns of civil war in Turkey Turkey’s security crackdown in the Kurdish-majority southeast could spill over to the country’s west and eventually become a civil war, warns Kurdish politician Kamuran Yuksek in an interview with Al-Monitor. Turkey
Why the world questions Turkey's stance on Islamic State Reasons are mounting to doubt Turkey's dedication to battling the Islamic State. Iraq
Israel's 'traitor' du jour The Israeli right wing considers former Foreign Ministry Director Alon Liel a traitor for advocating to pressure the Israeli government and advance voting in the United Nations in favor of a Palestinian state. Israel
The black flag over Israel's democracy Israelis are relinquishing their democracy through their silence and actions. Palestine
Israelis open homes, kitchens for unique dining experience The EatWith dining concept offers both tourists and local Israelis an intimate culinary experience in a variety of private homes. Israel
