US aid caught up in Middle East crackdown on civil society An analysis of the State Department budget request shows a drop in support for democracy and human rights. Gulf
Yemen’s Jews and the road to Israel Yemeni Jews who immigrate to Israel are taking with them a large part of what was left of Yemen's religious diversity. Yemen
100 days on, Egypt’s parliament has seen few achievements, much controversy In the first 100 days of parliament, intense battles have raged between its members, resulting in the resignation of one parliamentarian, the suspension of another and several threats of resignation. Egypt
Khamenei adviser calls US court ruling 'international stealing' Iran has filed an official complaint against the US Supreme Court ruling that would allow families of terrorist attack victims to collect nearly $2 billion in frozen Iranian funds. Congress
Egypt sets conditions for dialogue with Iran Egypt's foreign minister has made a list of measures Iran must take before the two countries can discuss normalizing relations, but it's doubtful that he really expects Iran to meet them. Egypt
Erdogan’s wrath against satire expands into Europe After jailing and suppressing journalists in his country, will Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s onslaught on free speech in Europe backfire? Turkey
Will Turkey ask NATO for help defending against IS rockets? Turkish citizens are calling on their government to boost its feeble response to IS shelling from Syria. Syria
Why Turkey's anti-tobacco efforts went up in smoke Smoking and drug abuse are on the rise among Turks, and experts blame worsening poverty levels and faltering measures on the government’s part. Turkey
Has the countdown to next Hamas-Israel war begun? Both Israel and Hamas claim not to want another battle, but both are loudly preparing for one. Palestine
Outgoing Iran parliament moves to radically cut cash handouts Iran’s outgoing parliament has voted to oblige the Rouhani administration to halt monthly cash subsidy payments to one-third of the population. Iran
How these Iraqi artists are breathing new life into ruined theater Impatient with neglect by successive Iraqi governments for cultural development, a group of producers and performers has taken on the task of renovating a destroyed theater. Iraq
Saudis refine blueprint for post-oil economy Establishment of the Public Investment Fund to diversify Saudi Arabia's sources of income must be coupled with a sound strategy to achieve the country's goals. Saudi Arabia
Is Abbas tightening his grip on power with new constitutional court? The establishment of the Palestinian High Constitutional Court by presidential decree has led to widespread criticism concerning its legality, especially since the move came at a time of intense division between the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Palestine
Palestinian Authority accuses Israel of incitement Palestinian officials claim that Israel is refusing to participate in the Committee on Incitement because of its interest in maintaining its own campaign of incitement. Palestine
Leading rights activist warns of unknown future for NGOs in Egypt The executive director of the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information tells Al-Monitor that the government wants to “turn civil society into a government division.” Egypt
Air France propels debate over veil in Iran After protests by Air France’s female flight attendants over having to wear the obligatory veil on Iranian soil, discussion on this matter has been reignited in Iranian media and social networks. Iran
![Iraqi actors perform on the stage of the damaged Rasheed theatre in Baghdad May 4, 2003, during the first post-war theatre play in the city. Members of the Najeen group performed "They passed from here", a political performance in the country's main theatre which was burned, damaged and looted during the chaotic fall of the regime of [Saddam Hussein.] - RTXLYCE](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2016/04/RTXLYCE.jpg/RTXLYCE.jpg?h=5021389d&itok=BFZXFzSd)
