Is corruption suspect's US arrest bad news for Erdogan? The US arrest of Reza Zarrab, allegedly a key figure in Turkey’s bribery and corruption scandal, has set off alarm bells in Ankara. Turkey
Tensions flare in Western Sahara dispute One word used by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was all it took to reignite tensions over disputed territory in northwest Africa. Morocco
Egypt's NGOs face 'orchestrated, escalating' assault from authorities A widening security crackdown on civil society organizations and activists has left many in Egypt pessimistic about the future. Egypt
Banking sanctions take center stage as Iranian rhetoric toughens There is a strong and shared interest between Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and US President Barack Obama that ordinary Iranians imminently see — and feel — in the normalization of Iran’s economic engagement with the world. Iran
Gaza’s electricity crisis sheds light on gap between social classes Although hospitals, medical centers and other sectors in the Gaza Strip are increasingly relying on solar power, its use is still limited to affluent households. Palestine
Do gas condensate exports represent new beginning for Iraq's hydrocarbon industry? As the first shipment of gas condensate reached the UAE, Iraq is seemingly on the right path to develop its energy sector despite some difficulties in the sector. United Arab Emirates
Why this Palestinian commuter app may be destined for dead end A new smartphone app aims to help Palestinians cross through security checkpoints, but Israel's West Bank settlements council claims that it could help Palestinians plan attacks on soldiers. Palestine
Why Europe must unify its intelligence networks Israeli security experts claim that the high number of intelligence agencies and lack of cooperation in Europe hinders an efficient response to the battle against the Islamic State, which Israel's defense minister calls a "Third World War." Israel
For Palestinian artist, spiny cactus makes perfect canvas Artist Ahmad Yaseen paints the suffering and hopes of the Palestinian people on the prickly pear, a symbol of rugged survival also claimed by the Israelis. Palestine
What Russia won by withdrawing from Syria Russian President Vladimir Putin’s drawdown of forces from Syria was carefully timed and shows Russia learned an important lesson in Afghanistan. Syria
Is Israel key to solving Renaissance Dam crisis? Ousted parliamentarian Tawfik Okasha still faces fierce criticism from his government for getting too close to Israel, in the ongoing Renaissance Dam saga — but could Egypt need Israel more than they are willing to admit? Egypt
After criticism, Rouhani defends his economic performance After receiving criticism for not yet having implemented the resistance economy, President Hassan Rouhani answered back that his administration has already fulfilled many economic promises. Iran
Why was Egypt's justice minister really fired? Egyptian Justice Minister Ahmed al-Zind was removed from his post following remarks deemed insulting to the Prophet Muhammad — but politics may be the real culprit. Egypt
Is Israeli media blurring the line between news and propaganda? The investigative report of Israeli TV Channel 2 accuses NGO Breaking the Silence of endangering IDF soldiers, without balancing its report or verifying its information properly. Israel
Bomb scare ends century-old run of Turkish soccer match Turkey's postponement of a major soccer match reveals much about the country's failure to combat terror, and cancellations of other public events are likely to follow. Turkey
