Syrian Kurds expand diplomatic network in Europe Despite Turkey’s blocking efforts, key Rojava actors PYD and YPG are opening office after office in Europe. Syria
Is Turkey's AKP cashing in on poverty? Some accuse the AKP of running a “vote-for-aid” deal with the country’s neediest citizens, yet at the same time Turkish opposition parties have failed to convince the public they are committed to supporting the poor. Turkey
Young members increasingly critical of Hamas Hamas faces mounting criticism from its young supporters in the Gaza Strip, yet is this a healthy sign of organizational maturity or the voice of inexperience? Palestine
Is Syria's 'fragile cease-fire' really a cease-fire at all? The Syrian regime resumed its airstrikes on residential neighborhoods of Aleppo, which could mean President Bashar al-Assad isn't concerned about finding a political solution to the war. Syria
Jerusalem at the center of Palestine-Israel naming dispute Within the scope of its Judaization policy, Israel has changed the names of several cities and places, including the Arabic name it uses to refer to Jerusalem. Palestine
Why ex-minister’s return to prison may ease Lebanon's political deadlock A court's decision to put Michel Samaha back behind bars might help ease Sunni-Shiite stress, but solving sectarian differences will require everyone's cooperation. Saudi Arabia
The 'out-of-the-box' proposal on the Golan Heights France is advancing an idea that in exchange for Israeli readiness to take security risks in the framework of a two-state solution, the Golan Heights issue will be taken off the regional negotiation table. Palestine
Could economic ties be key to calming Egypt-Italy tensions? Although tensions are high between Cairo and Rome following the murder of Italian graduate student Giulio Regeni, the strong economic ties between the two will likely persist. Egypt
Can US, Iran maintain ties after Obama? After three years of frequent and intense US-Iranian diplomatic contacts during the successful Iran nuclear deal negotiations, can the United States and Iran maintain their diplomatic opening after President Barack Obama leaves office and John Kerry is no longer secretary of state? Iran
Tehran police chief defends new undercover morality police force Tehran’s police chief, Hossein Sajedinia, has defended the decision to introduce 7,000 undercover morality officers in the capital, explaining the force will monitor security issues as well as appropriate women’s veiling. Iran
Why Turkey frets over US-Russian relations Will Turkey’s leaders have to wait for the next US president to challenge Russia in the manner they would like? Syria
The real reason some Turks are so quick to cry ‘coup’ in Brazil When Turks comment on the "coup" in Brazil, they are actually speaking about Turkey. Turkey
Shelling of Aleppo neighborhood threatens to stir up Arab-Kurdish strife The armed Syrian opposition's ongoing shelling on the Kurdish-majority Sheikh Maksoud neighborhood of Aleppo risks potential strife between Sunni Arabs and Kurds. Syria
How Israelis keep Passover traditions alive Israelis keep their forefathers' Passover dinner traditions, with Persian Jews hitting their dinner neighbors with green onions and Djerba Jews reading the Haggadah in Arabic. Israel
How Orthodox Israelis are battling sexual harassment For more than a decade, a unique Israeli forum composed of religious leaders, legal experts and mental health workers has quietly dealt with allegations of sexual misconduct. Israel
Why Egyptians' anger at island handover is misplaced Angry Egyptians decried the return of two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia while ignoring possible economic benefits and returns for Egypt as part of the agreement. Saudi Arabia