Why a seaport won't solve Gaza's problems Israel cannot simply offer some gestures to improve the situation in Gaza without negotiating a comprehensive solution to end the occupation. By Akiva Eldar
Congress puts stranglehold on Palestinian aid Key lawmakers are incensed with terrorism support and statehood bid. By Julian Pecquet
Syria talks pulled back from brink UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura looked to the United States and Russia for help after the Syrian opposition said it will pause its participation in formal negotiations but stay in Geneva until it sees progress on strengthening the cease-fire and aid access. By Laura Rozen
Will drought fuel water conflict between Cairo, Addis Ababa? As drought continues to plague Ethiopia, the longstanding dispute over precious water resources in the Nile Basin is intensifying. By Ayah Aman In Cairo, reporting on politics and culture
Iranian-Saudi rivalry claims another victim Jordan recalling its ambassador from Tehran for consultations opens another front in the Iranian-Saudi rivalry, along with conflict over the hajj and oil. By Arash Karami
How Turkish police could have prevented IS massacre in Ankara Recent reports in the Turkish press have fueled claims that police were more than just negligent in their failure to act on intelligence reports before the Islamic State attacked Ankara on Oct. 10. By Kadri Gürsel
How Rouhani is moving to boost Iran's stock market Given Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s efforts to dislodge rials locked in bank deposits, amid the weak returns of traditional investments such as gold, foreign currency and property, it appears that the Iranian stock market is set for a major influx of capital. By Navid Kalhor
Underground war between Israel, Hamas heats up The IDF exposed an attack tunnel dug by Hamas, which reached Israeli territory. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Is Hamas on the offensive or defensive? Hamas believes that Israel will attack the Gaza Strip again at some point, which is why it keeps arming itself and developing its rocket project. By Shlomi Eldar
The bill that might bring an end to Bibi's rule The Israeli opposition is united behind a Knesset bill that seeks to limit any incumbent prime minister to only two terms. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Political humor no joke for Turkish satirists As the Turkish president's wrath reaches German satirists, their Turkish colleagues soldier on amid constant intimidation, prosecution and even physical attacks. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
Will Popular Mobilization Units join operations to liberate Mosul? Although the Sunni forces oppose the participation of the Popular Mobilization Units in the battle for Mosul, the Iraqi government has opted for their participation in the absence of a US veto. By Ali Mamouri
Why Jordan's king is criticizing his country's closest allies King Abdullah has made harsh statements against Obama’s war on IS, Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy and Russia’s policy in Syria, yet due to Amman's precarious geostrategic position he doesn't always fully stand by his own comments. By Aaron Magid
US should ditch 'plan B' for Syria UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura says the fragile cessation of hostilities “continues to give hope” as Syrians anticipate the battle for Aleppo. By Week in Review
Controversy over Italian student's murder threatens Egypt's tourism sector Ambiguity concerning the investigations into the murder of Italian researcher Giulio Regeni in Egypt will further harm the country's already declining tourism sector. By Ahmed Hidji
Protesters return to Egypt's streets Will Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's decision to renounce Egyptian control of two Red Sea islands to Riyadh be the straw that breaks the camel’s back, amid widespread anger at the government policies? By Ayah Aman In Cairo, reporting on politics and culture