Is free speech a crime in Palestine? The Palestinian government needs to rewrite the law on defamation, making it a civil matter, not a criminal offense. Palestine
Libya’s militias take justice into their own hands Libya's police say the country's justice system is collapsing, as courts often fail to prosecute crimes for fear of the suspects' affiliation with militias and armed groups continue to take matters into their own hands. Libya
Why Israel needs Putin more than it needs Erdogan Reconciliation with Turkey is stalled, possibly due to Israeli-Russian security interests regarding Syria, Lebanon and Hezbollah, as well as Russian hostility to Israeli-Turkish rapprochement. Israel
Why is Iraq challenging human rights reports? Despite accounts of major human rights violations in Iraq, the government continues to deny and criticize reports by international human rights organizations. Iraq
Israeli ties with Egypt may be thawing, but no 'love and warmth' just yet In an interview with Al-Monitor, Zionist Camp Knesset member Ksenia Svetlova claims that while progress is being made, Egyptian society is still influenced by anti-Israeli discourse and not yet ready for normalization. Egypt
Will expelling families of Palestinian attackers to Gaza stop terror? A proposal to expel the families of Palestinians who attack Israelis to Gaza could motivate relatives remaining in the West Bank to commit revenge attacks. Palestine
Tunisian envoy: Counterterrorism cooperation with US is new normal Tunisian Ambassador to the United States Faycal Gouia opens up about the war in Libya, US assistance and his country’s economic needs. Tunisia
Is Israeli-Palestinian two-state solution almost dead? Iran poised to exploit the declining fortunes of the Palestinian Authority as Israel expands West Bank settlements; Syrian government forces prepare for a showdown in Raqqa; The Washington Post refers to Jaish al-Islam as a "rebel" group; Al-Monitor Syria Timeline includes commentary from Ambassador Ryan Crocker and others. Palestine
Iran names head of country’s wealthiest foundation After the passing of the head of Astan Quds Razavi, a charitable endowment, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei must find his replacement. Iran
Victims still 'disappearing' from Egyptian streets A few "fortunate" souls return from forced disappearances to recount their experiences. Egypt
Iran-Saudi tensions play out on soccer field The ongoing conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia is affecting the sports world as regional soccer associations struggle to satisfy both parties' location and security demands. Saudi Arabia
How much more can Yemen’s heritage sites take? The ancient city of Sanaa in conflict-torn Yemen is at risk of complete destruction as its historical landmarks keep taking one blow after the other. Saudi Arabia
Erdogan's conquest of Africa Turkey hopes that more muscular foreign policy moves in the Gulf and Africa will help neutralize increasing pressure from a Russia-led alliance. Turkey
How a crude sex joke revived a partisan fight in Israel By accusing right-wing TV host Erel Segal of sexual harassment over a crude TV skit about her, Zionist Camp Knesset member Stav Shaffir let him turn an essential debate on women's rights into a feud between the right and the left camps. Israel
Who's really taking Christian homes in Iraq? Although the Popular Mobilization Units grouping has been accused of seizing the homes of Baghdad’s Christians, the organization is leading a campaign to recover the properties. Iraq
What's behind Israel's call for 'economic peace'? The "economic peace" proposed by Israel to the Palestinians resembles more economic colonialism than economic ties between equal partners. Palestine
