How Leonardo DiCaprio became unlikely champion in Iran Iranians are elated that actor Leonardo DiCaprio is helping to raise awareness of the drying of Lake Urmia. Iran
Cash offer for TV shows to hide cigarettes, drugs has some in Egypt fuming Social Solidarity Minister Ghada Wali's offer of 1 million Egyptian pounds to any TV series to not show smoking or drug use during the holy month of Ramadan causes a furor in Egypt. Egypt
Erdogan vs. the world With Recep Tayyip Erdogan closer than ever to total authority, the world is going to have to deal with an increasingly confrontational Turkish president. Turkey
How drama therapy is helping Lebanese prisoners and society A Lebanese psychologist has been working with inmates in Roumieh Prison to help them, through drama therapy, to forgive themselves, express themselves and develop empathy. Lebanon
How a Turkish opposition party turned pro-Erdogan The latest episode in Turkey’s political games sees both the government and the leadership of the opposition Nationalist Action Party (MHP) combine forces to fend off the opposition within the MHP. Turkey
How Turkey intends to secure return of Syrian refugees Turkey is seeking to establish a safe zone on its border with Syria to provide a safe haven for the Syrian refugees that currently number around 3 million in Turkey alone. Syria
New Turkish PM helps Erdogan revive 'Ottoman glory' Binali Yildirim is the ideal prime minister to usher in one-man rule in Turkey. Turkey
Will Germany play role in Israeli-Palestinian talks? Germany is deeply engaged in efforts to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and its diplomats say that the Paris conference should be based on the Quartet report. Palestine
Iraqis divided over Soleimani's role in their country Iran's Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani is stirring controversy in the Iraqi street, where citizens are waving both Iranian and Iraqi flags during demonstrations for or against his presence. Iraq
Who is desecrating Izz ad-Din al-Qassam's Haifa grave? A building project involving part of a historic Muslim cemetery is making headlines after an apparent attempt to desecrate the grave of Palestinian nationalist Izz ad-Din al-Qassam. Israel
Yemen peace talks stuck in stalemate The Yemen peace talks have been hindered by the parties' unwillingness to compromise on several major issues. Saudi Arabia
Why are some Palestinians upset over Nakba commemoration? The organizers of this year's Nakba commemorations faced harsh criticism for their celebratory events on what is typically a solemn occasion. Qatar
Sisi's statements on peace efforts welcomed abroad, ridiculed at home Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has announced his country's willingness to negotiate between the Palestinians and Israelis, a statement that proved controversial in Egypt. Palestine
From Germany to IS front: a former PKK fighter's return to battle Some of those fighting the Islamic State in Iraqi Kurdistan are volunteers. One of them is Sait Curukkaya. Iraq
Do you really need to know the new Turkish PM? The appointment of Turkish Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim as prime minister implies that the office is about to be mothballed. Turkey
Will Iran stop executions for drug offenses? Mohammad Javad Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Human Rights Council, has been joined by other officials in his repeated calls to cut down on executions for drug offenses. Iran
