Egypt's writers fear increasing restrictions Egyptian authors are fighting for freedom of expression as the state cracks down on what it calls offending public decency and contempt of religion. Egypt
Why young Sahrawis are joining military movement against Morocco Sahrawi youth have grown tired of waiting for the United Nations to break the stalemate between Western Sahara and Morocco. Algeria
Who sent Iranian Green Berets to Syria? For the first time since Iran’s 1980-88 war with Iraq, the Iranian army is conducting foreign military operations. But who sent its Green Berets to Syria? Syria
Are Egypt's students no longer safe in their own schools? News that children have been victims of sexual assault at their own schools in Egypt has prompted civil society groups, activists and parents to look for effective ways to protect children from harassment. Egypt
Who’s to blame for US seizure of $2 billion in Iranian assets? Iran's former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has rejected blame in a US Supreme Court case that ruled Iran's assets of $2 billion can be seized. Iran
Mad love, amnesia or fear? How Erdogan pulls it off President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s political fortunes have not suffered from his contradictions, questionable denials and attacks on opponents. Turkey
Is the PA coordinating arrests with Israel? In light of the climaxing uprising, some claim the Palestinian Authority's security services are coordinating arrests, so that after a Palestinian suspect is released by the PA he is shortly thereafter detained by Israel. Palestine
How education became an Israeli political tool Education Minister Naftali Bennett and his colleagues from other Orthodox parties know that teaching their ideology to school children will benefit themselves politically in the long run. Israel
Why one Gazan turned destroyed home into a zoo A Palestinian who has been waiting for the reconstruction of his house destroyed in the war on Gaza almost two years ago is now using it as a zoo. Palestine
Will Syria's Kurds succeed at self-sufficiency? Despite major obstacles and challenges, the Kurds are making efforts to achieve economic self-sufficiency in areas they control in northern Syria. Syria
Will Ankara’s new culture plan lead to more censorship of the arts? In Turkey, where freedom of expression is curtailed, the AKP’s sustainable cultural development program finds little enthusiasm. Turkey
Landmines hinder return of displaced to Iraq's Ramadi Although efforts are underway to clear Ramadi from landmines, the displaced cannot return to their cities given the risks they could be facing. Iraq
Aid poured into fixing mosques while Gazans live in tents Enormous funds are being funneled into the reconstruction of destroyed mosques in private projects that are directed by the donors themselves, with money Hamas cannot redirect toward housing displaced Gazans. Palestine
Libyan government, parliament enter into standoff Libya's Government of National Accord is yet to get a vote of confidence by the House of Representatives. Libya
Why some Palestinians aren't optimistic about Israel's decision to ease residency restrictions Israel issued a decision allowing some Palestinians living in Jerusalem and the West Bank to reunite with their families in Israeli cities, but security concerns may undermine it. Palestine
Why France isn’t inviting Israel, Palestine to peace process conference As a first step to relaunch a two-state solution process, France will convene at the end of May a conference of stakeholders, without the Israelis or the Palestinians. Palestine
