Egypt human rights committee head: forced disappearance issue top priority In an interview, the head of Egyptian parliament's human rights committee, Mohamed Anwar al-Sadat, said his group will work to improve Egypt's human rights record. Egypt
After political shake-up, is Turkey heading for economic crisis? By sidelining Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has taken full control of the political reins but ambiguity about his economic policies is creating concerns. Turkey
Baby steps: Lebanon's municipal elections inspire hope Lebanon's parliament members are working on a new law they think will result in legislative elections and a new president. Lebanon
Beware of the failure of Yemen’s central bank The Central Bank of Yemen continues to set new policies to tackle the rising inflation and devaluation of the Yemeni rial, knowing its policies will not be effective as long as there is no political will to stabilize the situation. Saudi Arabia
Gaza farmers dodge bullets to harvest crops Although the truce that ended the 2014 Gaza war is still in force, the Israeli army has recently escalated its actions against farmers in the buffer zone between the Strip and Israel. Palestine
Why Shiites are divided over Iranian role in Iraq Shiites have started to act based on political orientations instead of their sectarian affiliations, which is viewed as an edge in the Shiite public awareness. Iraq
In Israel, life imitates satire Polls indicate that a majority of Israelis do not object to the occupation, yet many of them are clamoring to watch a play mocking the policy. Palestine
To stand, or not to stand? The politics of Israeli memorial days Some Israelis prefer to choose by themselves how and when to remember the fallen soldiers, and not be forced to stand in silence when Memorial Day sirens are sounding. Israel
Why is Congress keeping its powder dry on Iran sanctions? Republican leaders are determined to craft the most comprehensive legislative package they can get through Congress. Iran
Iranian official says prominent Saudi jihadist 'man in control' in Syria In Syria, a Saudi jihadi is becoming a paramount figure for militants opposed to President Bashar al-Assad — but will he become the "new bin Laden"? Syria
Head of Iran TV resigns after just 18 months Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has appointed Abdul Ali Asghari as the new head of Iranian television after the previous head resigned abruptly only 18 months into his five-year term. Iran
How will Egypt police its police force? Police assaults on civilians have put the Interior Ministry in the hot seat as the public demands action to curb police violence. Egypt
As Davutoglu exits, Erdoganists demand 'obedience to the leader' The departure of Ahmet Davutoglu as prime minister marks the opening of a new narrative that makes obedience to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a religious duty. Turkey
How will Turkey gain power abroad when it can't protect its borders? Turkey's ineffectiveness in protecting the city of Kilis on the Syrian border points to how unlikely it is that the government will fulfill its ambition to become a regional power. Syria
Gaza's first food truck brings out the hungry and curious Two unemployed brothers are finding success operating Gaza's first food truck. Palestine
Who are Syria's Alawites? Alawite doctrine differs in many ways from Sunni and Shiite Islam, but Alawites believe they should be respected and accepted as an independent Muslim sect. Iraq
