Poker-faced Netanyahu gambles with US aid money Top Israeli politicians and security officials are urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the aid package offered by the United States and not take the needless risk of holding out for more. Israel
Will Lebanon’s municipal elections lead to election of a president? The May municipal elections in Lebanon prove that long-delayed parliamentary elections can indeed be conducted and a president of the republic selected. Lebanon
Iranian conservatives may be forced to embrace Rouhani Iranian conservatives may have no choice but to find a way to engage with incumbent President Hassan Rouhani with the country only a year away from its next presidential election. Iran
Israeli settlement leader says Paris initiative will 'die a slow death' In an interview with Al-Monitor, Oded Ravivi, head of the Efrat Regional Council, said that those supporting the French peace initiative are detached from the reality on the ground in the West Bank. Palestine
Candid camera TV show comes to Gaza A hidden camera show on Palestinian TV aims to highlight the difficult circumstances Gazans face through satire and comedy. Palestine
Emotional trauma leaves deep wounds for Syria's child refugees The refugee crisis has created a desperate need for mental health services, particularly among Syria’s children, whose chances of healing from their mental and emotional wounds are better the sooner they receive care. Lebanon
Why this Ramadan TV comedy inflames, yet entertains The second season of the Saudi show "Selfie" is winning popular praise but riling up critics during the particularly sensitive holy month. Saudi Arabia
What's so special about a Jewish prenup? More and more ultra-Orthodox couples are signing prenuptial agreements, financially protecting women in case their husbands refuse to divorce them. Israel
Turkish-EU ties in throes of a slow death The EU’s demand for a revision of Turkey’s anti-terrorism law as a precondition for allowing Turks visa-free travel in Europe has turned into the Achilles’ heel of ties between Ankara and Brussels. Turkey
Soleimani issues rare political statement on Bahrain The head of Iran’s Quds Force, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, condemned the decision by Bahrain to strip the citizenship of Shiite leader Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Qassim. Bahrain
Egypt's Education Ministry rocked by high school cheating scandal As national high school exams in Egypt are canceled and others are disqualified, a freshman high school student boasted that he would continue leaking exams and answer sheets until the educational system is reformed. Egypt
Who’s really benefiting from Sinai’s state of emergency? Terrorists are turning the tables and making the most of curfews and restrictions in North Sinai. Egypt
Iranian economists worry about both Clinton and Trump Iranian economists aren’t terribly excited about the departure of US President Barack Obama. U.S.
Gaza’s women use the internet to sell homemade meals In light of the harsh economic conditions in the Gaza Strip, some housewives have decided to sell their homemade dishes online, which has turned out to be popular, especially during the month of Ramadan. Palestine
How Turkish energy giant's plans to light up Iran could boost Rouhani The Belgium-based Turkish energy firm Unit International’s announcement that it will build seven natural gas-powered electricity production plants worth $4.2 billion in Iran could bring major benefits for the two countries. Turkey
Foreign investment in Turkey is rising, but not the type it needs In the past five years, 24,000 new foreign companies have set up shop in Turkey, but due to a lack of confidence they have avoided industrial production. Turkey