Has Egypt lost its status as star of Arab film industry? Egyptian production companies have been struggling with growing debts, particularly as actors' salaries are increasing despite lagging revenues. Egypt
Will Iran’s notorious Evin prison ever be closed? An Iranian prison official said that a draft agreement has been prepared to turn one of Iran’s most notorious prisons into a park. Iran
Iran’s pipeline politics reaches Iraqi Kurdistan The planned construction of a pipeline connecting Iraqi Kurdistan with Iran could further cement Iran's position as the regional energy hub — and also benefit Kurds on both sides of the border. Iraq
How Erdogan became Turkey’s biggest media boss A ferocious onslaught on critical media over the past year has left President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as Turkey’s biggest media boss. Turkey
Why Hamas resumed ties with Iran In light of its worsening financial crisis and need for military support, Hamas has resumed relations with Tehran, which have been strained since the start of the Syrian revolution. Saudi Arabia
Will airport attack push Ankara to revive peace process with PKK? If Turks had any delusion of seeing IS somehow less dangerous than the PKK, then they must have been woken by the ferocious attack on the Ataturk airport. Turkey
Is Israel's agreement with Turkey a sign of Bibi's leadership? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu boasted that the reconciliation agreement signed with Turkey reflects leadership on his part, but in truth he had no choice other than to make this decision. Israel
Will Popular Mobilization Units participate in battle for Mosul? Popular Mobilization Units leaders insist on participating in the fight to liberate Mosul, despite renewed demands by some Sunni politicians to exclude the units because of their history of human rights violations. Iraq
Who’s behind Istanbul airport attack? The attack at Istanbul Ataturk Airport on June 28 has triggered debate over whether Ankara is having problems deciding the priorities in its struggle against the Kurdistan Workers Party and the Islamic State. Turkey
Erdogan pens education plan for Turkey's 'devout generation' Turkey’s ruling party has paved the way for a controversial education foundation that many see as a parallel system to educate young people in line with the AKP's ideology and Islamist tenets. Turkey
Nablus' ancient mosques tell story of religions throughout history Dozens of mosques dating back thousands of years are spread around the old city of Nablus, reflecting the rich history of the city. Palestine
Prized Lion of Babylon joins list of crumbling Iraqi antiquities The ancient Lion of Babylon, Iraq’s national symbol, is critically threatened by erosion and neglect. Iraq
Why Jordan is unlikely to reconsider decision to close borders The international community has been pressuring Jordan to reconsider its decision to close its border following an IS attack on one of its border posts, but economic and security concerns indicate the kingdom is unlikely to change its position. Jordan
Iraqi army radio takes aim at IS The Iraqi army in Ninevah province has been operating a radio station in the area, with the aim of demonizing the Islamic State among the residents. Iraq
'The Singer' fails to express Nubian blues Many Nubians are finding fault with a Ramadan TV series they say misrepresents their forced displacement more than half a century ago. Egypt
Khamenei appoints new head of Iran's armed forces Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has appointed Mohammad Bagheri as the new chief of staff of the Armed Forces. Iran
