Hamas finds itself between a rock and a hard place Hamas seems likely to accept Egypt’s demand that it sever ties with the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, even though the relationship formed the basis for its ideology. Palestine
Congress split over Iran's access to the dollar Key lawmakers disagree on whether banking restrictions would violate nuclear deal. Iran
Trump's unlikely Iranian fans Though seemingly opposed to each other, the reality is that US Republicans and Iranian hard-liners play complementary roles for each other, as they give one another excuses to advance their respective domestic agendas. Congress
Egyptian Islamic Jihad founder: Annihilate terror groups or they annihilate you In an interview with Al-Monitor, Nabil Naeem, the founder and former leader of Egyptian Islamic Jihad, expresses concerns about the potential for a reconciliation between extremist groups and the state. Egypt
IRGC rejects Obama's 'spirit' of nuclear deal The head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has rejected calls by the Obama administration to use the comprehensive nuclear deal banner to implement other changes, arguing that the agreement has not benefited the Iranian public. Iran
Egypt defends treatment of Ethiopian refugees Although Egypt has received Oromo refugees from Ethiopia, it says it is not showing favoritism toward either side or trying to take advantage of the discord. Egypt
Will a two-state solution be announced in November? The US administration is discreetly testing Israeli and Palestinian reactions to three options it is currently contemplating to advance the two-state solution. Palestine
How Turkey seeks to kill two birds with one stone in Diyarbakir The air of secrecy surrounding an urban renewal project in Turkey’s largest Kurdish city sparks anxiety among local residents, already stripped of their homes amid devastating clashes between Kurdish militants and the security forces. Turkey
Why Iraqi-Saudi ties are backsliding yet again After Iraq’s foreign affairs minister defended Hezbollah, which is considered a terrorist group by the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League, Gulf-Iraqi ties may worsen. Saudi Arabia
Israel gets its own 'Making a Murderer' series Israeli TV producers have turned a 10-year-old murder case into a TV show that has captivated Israelis, and worried them. Israel
Will Fatah split? A new current has emerged within the Fatah movement with the objective of bringing about reforms, which raises questions on whether or not its founders plan to defect from Fatah’s main branch. Palestine
Why Erdogan can't end PKK war Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s personal agenda precludes a negotiated settlement with the Kurds, and a military solution remains just as out of reach. Turkey
West takes Erdogan to task over press freedom During the Turkish president's US visit, US President Barack Obama openly rebuked Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while Germany told him his undemocratic strong-arming won't work in Europe. Turkey
Why one Israeli minister always feels persecuted Interior Minister Aryeh Deri conveyed that he will not launch a campaign against the discrimination of Mizrahi, following the investigation against him. But can we believe him, when by saying this, he just launched the campaign? Israel
Obama administration steps into Western Sahara minefield The agency is close to awarding a $1 million grant for the Moroccan-controlled Western Sahara. North Africa
Jordan blocks 50,000 Syrian refugees near border Jordan cites security concerns as it blocks thousands of Syrian refugees at its border and leaves them stranded in the rocky desert. Jordan