Will Israel get its first casino? The plan promoted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to build casinos in Eilat prompt a rare Knesset alliance between right and left, religious and secular. Israel
How Damascus Gate became the symbol of the intifada Confrontations between Palestinians and Israelis at Damascus Gate have heightened the symbolic importance of the largest gate of Jerusalem's Old City. Palestine
Why this Iraqi city is starving Residents of Fallujah, Mosul and other Iraqi cities under the Islamic State’s control are suffering under an IS strategy calculated to turn them against their government. Iraq
Gazans organize first-ever dog show The recent first-of-its-kind dog show in the Gaza Strip shed light on dog lovers and breeders who hope to get a sponsor for future shows and activities. Palestine
US presidential candidates clash over Middle East peace process US presidential candidates are offering substantive differences when it comes to Israel policy. Palestine
Egyptian women launch 'One Girl is Worth 100' campaign Rania Ayman, a founding member of the campaign "One Girl is Worth 100," speaks to Al-Monitor about women who struggle to make a living in jobs traditionally limited to men. Egypt
Iran struggles with border security An IRGC commander says the elite Saberin Unit has provided Iran with security on its borders. Iraq
How heavy metal music is causing a stir in Egypt A concert in Cairo scheduled for later this month has revived a decades-long controversy over heavy metal music and accusations of devil worship. Egypt
Ankara attack spawns conspiracy theories Turkey was a little too quick to identify the alleged perpetrator of the Ankara blast as a YPG-affiliated Syrian Kurd, and many observers mistrust the government's version of the story. Turkey
Are latest war games just a face-saver for Riyadh? Saudi Arabia is hosting over 150,000 troops from 20 countries for military exercises in the northeast, but while officially aimed at deterring Iran, they could have a very different purpose. Saudi Arabia
CHP's rising Christian star subjected to hate speech A newspaper's revelation about the Christian heritage of an opposition parliamentarian has created another rift in the ruling AKP and opened a dialogue on interfaith marriage. Turkey
Is Iran really ready for foreign investment? Despite President Hassan Rouhani’s touting of foreign investment as the savior of the Iranian economy amid low crude prices, the country might not be able to handle the necessary capital inflow. Iran
Are unpaid salaries driving Gazans to suicide? The crisis over unpaid wages has already pushed several in Gaza to commit suicide, a trend that seems ulikely to be reversed soon. Palestine
Will Israelis, Palestinians stop unilateralism? Both the Israeli and the Palestinian side tend to favor unilateral steps instead of negotiating a compromise that the parties have been avoiding for years. Palestine
Why the Damascus Gate is more important than ever Over the past few months, East Jerusalem's Damascus Gate has become a focal point for young Palestinians seeking to kill Israeli security officers and to avenge their friends. Palestine
Netanyahu's bag of tricks to deflect criticism The "suspension bill" targeting Arab-Israeli parliamentarians is yet another element in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategy of incitement to deflect attention from international criticism of his policies. Palestine
