Rouhani targets Iran's conservative media Iran's justice minister has accused the country premier conservative paper of publishing lies against the administration. By Arash Karami
Boeing deal would reverse 1993 decision to sell to Saudis, not Iran A $17 billion deal by Boeing to sell Iran more than 100 civilian airplanes has major ramifications for US-Iran relations, say American and Iranian analysts. By Barbara Slavin
Is Tel Aviv attack revival of the Jerusalem intifada? The latest Tel Aviv attack has raised questions about the Palestinian party standing behind it, as some claim it was an individual operation. By Adnan Abu Amer
Minor blast in Beirut bank will have major repercussions The bombing of the BLOM Bank in Beirut could have repercussions for Lebanon’s banking, financial, economic, political and security stability. By Jean Aziz (Lebanon Pulse)
As external threats recede, Jordan left to face inner demons Though attacks from across the border with Syria and Iraq are becoming less of a concern, experts say that the political, economic and cultural conditions in Jordan are perfect for home-grown extremism, a risk the government seems reluctant to address. By Osama Al Sharif
Why Israel fears Orlando-style attack Israeli security experts point out that despite severe restrictions on arms sales, Palestinian terrorists can manufacture their own submachine guns and could launch massive attacks — like in Orlando. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Why sanctions relief has not been enough to kick-start Iran's industry Iran's industrial sector continues to sag despite the implementation of the nuclear deal, but there are some ways the government could shore up domestic production and stimulate the economy. By Navid Kalhor
Is Erdogan's university diploma forged? Allegations regarding the authenticity of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's diploma, and therefore his position, are gaining substance. By Cengiz Candar
The battle for Hagia Sophia in Istanbul escalates The Turkish conservative movement’s demand to turn the Hagia Sophia Museum into a mosque is gaining strength. By Pinar Tremblay
Palestinian TV series proving popular at Ramadan Palestinian dramas are making inroads in the Arab drama world despite the lack of funds and high-tech facilities. By Ahmad Abu Amer
Hamas elections will mark end of Meshaal era Support for Hamas' political leader Khaled Meshaal has long been eroding in the Gaza Strip, and he may not even run in the upcoming leadership elections from his refuge in Qatar. By Shlomi Eldar
Turkey huffs and puffs at genocide vote, but it's business as usual with Germany Ankara is angry after Berlin adopted a nonbinding resolution recognizing the mass killing of Armenians in 1915 as genocide, but Turkey is wary of undermining important ties with Germany. By Semih Idiz
Will Iran’s most popular general enter politics? With the presidential election one year away, the Iranian press is already speculating about Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani entering the race. By Arash Karami
Has Israeli left lost battle over public opinion? The vicious attacks by Likud members against Amir Peretz of the Zionist Camp and Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai reflect the refusal by Israeli public opinion to accept any linkage between the occupation and terror attacks. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Can US-backed offensive bring back residents to Syria's Manbij? The citizens of Manbij, which is northeast of Aleppo, have high hopes of returning to their hometown in light of the US-backed offensive against the Islamic State in their city. By Kamal Sheikho
Why Turkey is making a return to Libya Given economic troubles at home, it is no surprise that Ankara has decided to reopen its embassy in the Libyan capital of Tripoli, which had been closed since 2014. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security