Why third Israeli crossing into Gaza may weaken Hamas' hand With a second Israeli Bedouin crossing the border into Gaza, Hamas now holds three Israeli citizens, all of them reportedly suffering from mental illness. Palestine
In battle for Aleppo, Syria may be at stake The future of the Syrian revolution could be at stake as regime forces and rebels fiercely battle over control of Aleppo for strategic and symbolic purposes. Syria
Will Western Wall dispute topple Israeli government? Despite earlier agreement by religious representatives to a deal allocating a mixed-gender prayer space near the Western Wall, objections remain, with some among the ultra-Orthodox threatening to topple the government over it. Israel
Another Egyptian MP ensnared in sex video scandal A member of Egypt's parliament claims a sexually explicit video clip — the same one that embroiled another parliament member in scandal in December — was sent by a hacker from his account. Egypt
EU lawmakers warn Congress against Saudi terrorism bill The Dutch parliament registered its opposition ahead of a July 14 hearing on the issue. Saudi Arabia
Egypt's Brotherhood, Sisi both put out feelers for reconciliation While recent statements from Egyptian officials and Brotherhood members hint that a reconciliation could be in the works, some think both sides are merely testing their bases' reaction to the idea. Egypt
Iranian negotiator: Blocking sale of planes is violation of deal Is the question of the sale of Boeing aircraft to Iran a make or break issue for the nuclear deal? United States
Mizrahi heritage committee's quiet revolution Contrary to the divisive attitude of Israeli Culture Minister Miri Regev, the Mizrahi heritage committee headed by poet Erez Biton presents constructive ideas to integrate Jewish Mizrahi history, culture and literature into school curricula, thus building a new Israeliness. Israel
On eve of mass protests, what's next for Iraq's political crisis? Iraq's Supreme Court canceled the decision to dismiss the parliament speaker and the Abadi reform Cabinet, intensifying the political crisis as the popular movement prepares for mass demonstrations July 15. Iraq
Israel's new defense minister draws up plan to topple Hamas Upon taking office, Israel's new Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman asked IDF senior officers to elaborate a military plan to topple Hamas rule, without taking over the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Why Sisi, Erdogan won't be making up anytime soon Relations between Egypt and Turkey may remain cold as long as Cairo continues to repress the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt
Why recent steps with Israel, Russia won't really change Turkish foreign policy Ending the Mavi Marmara crisis with Israel and extending an apology to Russia is not enough for a true change in Turkish foreign policy as long as it remains in the grips of Islamism and sectarianism. Turkey
Can Erdogan make more friends at home as well? Turkey's diplomatic overtures abroad may be far simpler than achieving national reconciliation within the country, where creeping authoritarianism has left little room for plurality. Turkey
What's really behind Turkey's controversial plan for refugees? Many people detect political schemes behind Erdogan’s proposed offer of citizenship to Syrian refugees. Syria
Baghdad bombing ignites demand for better security in Iraq Repercussions of the massive July 3 suicide bombing in Baghdad could include extensive political change and government reshuffling, especially if such attacks continue. Iraq
