Will Hamas accept new Egypt-brokered deal with Israel? Egypt is making efforts in sealing an exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, yet observers question whether Hamas will accept it given the strained ties between the movement and Cairo. Palestine
What Saudi Arabia can offer Israel The unofficial visit by a retired Saudi general to Israel was a quiet overture that indicated Riyadh is willing to explore normalization with Israel in return for advancing the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. Saudi Arabia
Iraqi envoy quit over failure to prevent IS 'tragedies' Ambassador Lukman Faily bemoans missed opportunities to head off the Islamic State early on and elaborates on his post-diplomatic plans in an exit interview with Al-Monitor. Iraq
Are IDF soldiers shooting Palestinians against orders? The trial of IDF soldier Elor Azaria, who is suspected of shooting a Palestinian assailant on the ground, must bring back to the spotlight other cases where IDF soldiers shot Palestinians who didn't threaten their lives. Palestine
Accusations of corruption grow at Iran's Bank Mellat Since the arrest of the head of Bank Mellat, government officials have been divulging more and more details on the scope of corruption at the bank. Iran
Why Morocco really wants back in the African Union The king of Morocco's recent declaration that his country wants to return to the African Union after a 32-year absence appears to be a political maneuver to gain ground in the Western Sahara dispute. Egypt
Parliament to take on Egypt’s notorious prisons As allegations continue to mount against Egypt’s penal institutions, legislators plan to visit the lockups to see the conditions for themselves. Egypt
Profile of a dedicated Gulenist in Turkey's army As details of the July 15 coup attempt emerge, a clearer picture is forming of the massive and strategic infiltration of the Turkish military by officers affiliated with the Fethullah Gulen movement. Turkey
Will Iraq's constitution be amended? Iraqi parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri has formed a new committee for amending the Iraqi Constitution, but is it too little, too late? Iraq
Can Israel close US aid deal before US elections? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is being pressured by his associates and the security system to conclude the US security aid deal with the current administration. Israel
Gazans take to social media in reaction to Turkish coup attempt The failed Turkish coup divided Gazans between supporters and opponents, as some praised President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for foiling the coup. Palestine
Iraqi civil society fights new freedom of expression bill Civil pressure in Iraq has managed to thus far prevent the passing of the “freedom of expression and peaceful demonstration” draft law, which they argue would place tough new restrictions on civil freedoms. Iraq
The myth of no foreign investment in post-sanctions Iran Although President Rouhani is facing mounting criticism over the underwhelming economic dividends from the nuclear deal, the reality is that foreign investment is beginning to finally trickle into Iran. Iran
Is Saudi Arabia really seeking regime change in Iran? While Iran has strongly reacted to former Saudi spy chief Turki bin Faisal Al Saud’s appearance at the MEK’s annual conference, Iranian observers merely see the Saudi move as bringing a longstanding hidden agenda out in the open. Saudi Arabia
