Hamas watches its words in response to Jerusalem bus bombing Hamas is celebrating — but not claiming responsibility for — the April 18 bus bombing in Jerusalem, indicating it is walking a fine political line between maintaining its popularity among frustrated Palestinians and avoiding a punitive retaliation by Israel. Palestine
Israel's Arab Jews officially recognized as victims of Holocaust Roughly 1,000 of Israel's North African and Iraqi Jews have requested to receive a one-time compensation grant that recognizes the suffering of those communities under the Nazi regime. Iraq
Why Tuz Khormato clashes were more than just local skirmishes In Tuz Khormato, Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units and Kurdish peshmerga forces recently fought what appears to be a battle in the Shiite-Sunni power struggle, and not just a localized skirmish. Iraq
Erdogan’s secret economic weapon Turkey’s defense industry sector has emerged as a shining star in a turbulent period of economic jitters and falling exports. Turkey
Changes to Jordan's constitution raise concerns The newly approved amendments to the Jordanian Constitution will change the king's role in appointing key officials, though observers disagree on whether this will serve or weaken the country's parliamentary system. Jordan
Is homophobia at all-time high in Tunisia? Homophobia has reached an unprecedented level in Tunisia, as National Guard members are posting violent threats against the gay community on social media and signs banning gays from entering are displayed in public places. Tunisia
Syrian rebels weigh in on cease-fire Opposition fighters in Syria consider the cessation of hostilities 'negative,' although it has reduced civilian casualties. Syria
Can Paris conference offer breakthrough on two-state solution? The Palestinian leadership considers the French initiative and international support of the Paris conference the last opportunity for diplomacy. Palestine
US, Russia to jointly monitor Syria cease-fire US Secretary of State John Kerry and UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said they hoped that a partial Syria cease-fire would be extended to Aleppo after the United States and Russia agreed to create a joint Syria cease-fire monitoring operation in Geneva, but fighting raged on in the city. Syria
Why big European banks are reluctant to return to Iran Iranians and Americans see different reasons for major European banks’ reluctance to return to the Iranian market after the nuclear deal. Iran
Cairo marks World Press Freedom Day with raid on journalists' syndicate After police raided the Press Syndicate May 1 and arrested two journalists, even the state-run daily Al-Ahram condemned the move — but what does this mean for the future of Egyptian media? Egypt
Did Rouhani call for North Korea to give up nuclear weapons? South Korean officials have welcomed Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s comments about a Korean Peninsula free of nuclear weapons. Iran
Four reasons Sisi won’t turn against Iran The Saudi efforts to forge an alliance with Egypt come in the context of Riyadh’s efforts to expand its anti-Iran coalition. But will Saudi Arabia succeed in bringing Egypt onboard? Saudi Arabia
Gaza renews taxi fleet to dismay of old cab drivers For the first time in nine years, Israel has allowed the entry of new taxi cars into Gaza, a decision that appealed to Gazans but was met with criticism by the owners of old and dilapidated cars, who fear that the new cars will put them out of business. Palestine
Russia, US and the Kurds: The friend of my enemy is — wait, what? While the world squabbles over who is helping or should help Syrian Kurds, the Kurds aren't turning down aid from any quarter. Syria
How mysterious new Turkish blog exposed Erdogan-Davutoglu rift The anonymous blog that condemned Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu for betraying President Recep Tayyip Erdogan may be more than just a text. Turkey
