What's next for Egypt's corruption battle following minister's resignation? Egyptian Minister of Supply Khaled Hanafy resigns amid a wheat scandal, but questions remain about official efforts to battle corruption. Egypt
Why Russian warplanes might return to Iran Shared tactical objectives in Syria are likely to continue to drive Russian-Iranian cooperation despite the quick end to Moscow's use of the Hamedan air base. Russia
Why is Turkey wasting its time arresting peace advocates? The arrest of renowned author Asli Erdogan on terrorism charges generates questions about Turkey's arbitrary use of emergency law. Turkey
Did US drag Turkey into 'Syrian quagmire'? The Turkish government remains defiant in the face of warnings from the US, but there are those who believe Ankara was forced into the Syrian quagmire by Washington. Syria
Iran officials behind 1980s executions defend decision Iranian officials involved in the executions of thousands of Mujahedeen-e-Khalq members in the 1980s are having to defend themselves publicly as the killings are back in the news. Iran
Will Palestine’s upcoming local elections be worth the cost? A lot of money is being poured into the local Palestinian elections, but some fear the funds will go to waste when the vote proves divisive and the results are contested. Palestine
Ethnic demons revived at eulogy for late Israeli defense minister Ugly comments about late Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer reflect some Labor Party members' long-held attitude toward leaders of Mizrahi origin. Palestine
Palestinians say no to cultural monopoly A Palestinian Foreign Ministry memo favoring the selection of one particular dance troupe for international performances has become a scandal. Palestine
Has Israeli defense minister changed IDF's West Bank strategy? The Israel Defense Forces have been carrying out regular operations in the Dheisheh refugee camp and the villages of Hebron governorate, all inside West Bank's Area A and ostensibly under full Palestinian control. Palestine
Will Palestinian government give in to calls to postpone elections? After violent clashes disrupted the West Bank city of Nablus, both residents and political factions have been calling for the local elections slated for Oct. 8 to be postponed until security is restored. Palestine
What comes next for Turkey after Jarablus victory? Turkey’s strategic goals and field preparations signal that it plans to stay in northern Syria for quite some time. Syria
How Ankara, Washington plan to achieve regional energy security US Vice President Joe Biden was in Ankara last week, and Cyprus and energy security joined Turkey's attempted coup and the Islamic State as discussion topics. Syria
Why Sabbath crisis didn't topple Netanyahu's government The ultra-Orthodox party’s manufactured crisis over train repair work being conducted on the Sabbath came with a built-in expiration date. Israel
Has Turkey’s Gulenist witch hunt spiraled out of control? The Turkish government’s post-putsch witch hunt is seeking to eliminate Gulenists from both government offices and public life, pushing the limits of rationality and upending hundreds of thousands of lives. Turkey
After Babylon, Borsippa has its eye on World Heritage List The ancient city of Borsippa in the south of Iraq incorporates religious and historical relics and is hoping to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Iraq
Corruption scandal hits Tehran City Council According to a document by the General Inspection Office, members of the Tehran City Council have been handing out public property at a discount. Iran
