Is Israel inching closer to fascism? Talking to Al-Monitor, professor Zeev Sternhell warns that the values of democracy and liberalism, on which the State of Israel was founded, are being eroded by the nationalistic approach of the Israeli right. Israel
Israeli pioneer fashion returns to Tel Aviv The newly rebooted Ata fashion line is finding a market in the young generation with its unique brand of Israeli utilitarianism and nostalgia for the early days of the state. Israel
US officials circle globe to explain Iran policy but fail to persuade Obama administration officials are making strenuous efforts to convince foreign banks that they can return to Iran, but are failing to overcome fears of heavy fines and new sanctions. Iran
The downfall of two Iranian tycoons Iranian lawmaker Amir-Abbas Soltani told Al-Monitor that Iranian-Turkish businessman Reza Zarrab intentionally visited the US, knowing he would be detained, to avoid being arrested in Turkey and extradited to Iran. Turkey
How Netanyahu betrayed the IDF Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demonstrates again and again how his political survival is more important to him than the strength and credibility of the Israel Defense Forces. Israel
Leaked Gaza war report sparks 'war of generals' in Israel The partially leaked state comptroller report of the 2014 Protective Edge operation triggered political clashes and also a war of mutual accusations amid IDF generals. Palestine
More than 100 Iran MPs ask Rouhani to stop nuclear deal implementation Members of the current conservative-led parliament have signed a written warning to President Hassan Rouhani asking that he return Iran’s nuclear program to previous levels before the nuclear deal if US "obstruction" continues. Iran
Just how independent is Egypt's parliament? The speaker of the Egyptian parliament has caused an uproar by suggesting that in "tough times" the legislative and executive branches should act as one. Egypt
Turkish military faces secularism test As the popularity of religious vocational schools increases, the ban on the enrollment of imam-hatip graduates into military schools is being questioned. Turkey
Will Hamas respond to Israel's destruction of its tunnels? Israel and Hamas are threatening each other with open warfare over Palestinian factions' tunnels that lead from Gaza into Israel, though military experts are divided on whether either side would take such action. Palestine
How Turkey plans to boost halal tourism The second international halal tourism conference, held in Konya, gave a boost to Turkey’s determination to improve its performance in the growing Muslim travel market. Turkey
Palestine to raise concerns about settlement-based teams at FIFA conference The Palestinian Football Federation is planning to raise the issue of five Israeli soccer teams located in the occupied territories on the grounds that these teams are violating FIFA statutes. Palestine
The story behind the general who will likely shape Libya's future Gen. Khalifa Hifter's speculative role in Libya's future is as captivating as his intriguing past. Libya
Ancient Palestinian monastery under UNESCO consideration The 1,500-year-old Mar Saba Monastery in Palestine has been nominated for inclusion among UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. Palestine
How Cairo was able to stop April 25 protests Although mass protests had been planned following Egyptian popular anger at an agreement to cede the Red Sea islands of Tiran and Sanafir to Saudi Arabia, efforts by the security forces seem to have thwarted major demonstrations. Egypt
Is Egypt-Sudan border dispute new thorn in Renaissance Dam negotiations? Although claiming to be independent, some suggest Sudan may in fact be on Ethiopia’s side with regard to the latter’s dispute with Egypt over the Renaissance Dam. Egypt
