Is Putin trying to pressure Assad to negotiate? Since Russia announced its partial withdrawal of troops from Syria, Iranian commentators have been scrambling to explain the "surprising" decision. Russia
Islamic State's Sinai branch shifts its strategy The Egyptian military's crackdown on terrorist operations in the Sinai Peninsula force the Islamic State's Wilayat Sinai to shift some of its focus from military targets to the civilian population and local businesses. Egypt
Why is Hariri back in Lebanon? There is much speculation about why Saad Hariri has returned to Lebanon, including that he plans to help elect a president so he can head a new Cabinet and save himself politically and economically. Saudi Arabia
Can Israel influence the 'day after' in Syria? Israeli experts fear that the Russian pullout of Syria will provide Hezbollah with influence along the border of the Golan Heights. Israel
How Kurds treat Islamic State prisoners In the Kurdish-controlled areas of Syria, special courts prosecute the Islamic State fighters captured during the battles between the organization and the People's Protection Units. Syria
How terror attacks drive politics in Ankara Turkey is increasingly becoming the scene of Rojava-inspired Kurdish resistance. Syria
Iraq's dysfunctional government by proxy With a dysfunctional parliament unable to approve political and military appointments, the prime minister has been unilaterally filling government positions with acting officials. Iraq
Despite stigma, adoptions are on the rise in Gaza Gazan society seems to be breaking some taboos and prohibitions since families are starting to adopt children of unknown parentage despite all legal and social impediments. Palestine
Why Abbas turned Biden down Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas refused US Vice President Joe Biden's offer to reopen talks with Israel, convinced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has no real intention of negotiating. Palestine
Congress threatens to go ballistic over Russian arms sales to Iran Lawmakers demand tough sanctions on conventional weapons violations. Congress
Will Israel throw Erdogan a lifesaver? The roles appear to have been reversed, with Turkey more keen on mending fences today than Israel. Israel
Israel's war between the Jews While the international community keeps trying to end the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, many Orthodox Israelis reject not only Arabs but all also other Jews. Israel
How Iran views the Russian withdrawal from Syria Iranian media and analysts speculate on Russia's sudden decision to pull some of its troops from Syria and what this means for the fate of the cease-fire. Syria
Can Coptic Church help solve Egyptian-Ethiopian dam dispute? Bishop Beeman, who coordinates ties between the Egyptian and Ethiopian Coptic churches, has told Al-Monitor that the church could play an indirect role in solving the Renaissance Dam crisis between the two countries. Egypt
Why some in Israel are pushing for a two-year budget Opposition party leaders Yair Lapid and Avigdor Liberman are disappointed by Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, who affirmed that he intends to stay in the coalition. Israel
Will Gulf sanctions impact Lebanon’s banking sector? Although the recent decisions by Gulf states to impose political and economic measures on Lebanon’s Hezbollah sparked concerns about the impact on the country’s economy, experts in the field say Lebanese banks will be able to overcome this phase. Gulf
