Incitement, tensions rise over Syrian refugees in Lebanon Controversial statements by Lebanese authorities point to growing frustration over the presence of more than 1 million Syrian refugees in their country. Lebanon
Will next US president shift Washington's Yemen policy? To be seen as a legitimate peace broker, the United States must urge all sides in the Yemeni civil war to make necessary compromises. Saudi Arabia
Egypt's former top auditor says his trial is political In an interview with Al-Monitor, the former head of Egypt’s Accountability State Authority, Hisham Geneina, speaks about his controversial statements on corruption that landed him a jail sentence, calling the judiciary “flawed.” Egypt
Iran releases jailed Iranian-Canadian academic Just back from New York, President Hassan Rouhani has been harshly reminded that engagement with the United States should not go beyond the nuclear deal. Meanwhile, Iran releases a detained Iranian-Canadian professor. Iran
Foreign policy mishaps prove costly for Turkish contractors The AKP government’s foreign policy blunders have cost Turkish contractors abroad $16 billion of revenue losses. Iraq
How a kick rattled Turkey Turkish women take to the streets to denounce conservative pressures after a young nurse is assaulted on a public bus for wearing shorts. Turkey
Did US approach Iran about Yemen? Controversy has erupted in Iran over mysterious reports of a secret US letter to Iran on engagement to solve the crisis in Yemen. Yemen
Obama and Israel: It ain’t over till it’s over Those close to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fear that if Donald Trump wins the elections, President Barack Obama will use the time left before the end of his term to launch a diplomatic initiative on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Palestine
Culture minister steals show by blasting Israeli Oscars When Arab-Israeli actors read a poem and held hands in a show of unity at Israel’s Academy Awards, a protesting Culture Minister Miri Regev walked out and returned to criticize the film industry’s “elitism” and threaten to cut funding. Palestine
Why is Iraq not profiting from religious tourism? While the number of Shiite pilgrims to Iraqi holy sites has been increasing significantly since 2003, Iraq has failed to benefit economically. Iraq
How secondhand donations are funding development in Ramallah A Ramallah shop is trying to do its part to help lessen Palestinians' reliance on foreign assistance for development. Palestine
Can Israel's culture minister provoke her way to the top? Culture Minister Miri Regev has perfected a strategy of deliberately outraging Israeli audiences to boost her standing within her party. Israel
Trade union head says labor laws don’t protect Gaza's workers In an interview with Al-Monitor, Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions head Sami al-Amasi discusses working conditions in the Gaza Strip, in light of growing poverty and increasing unemployment levels. Palestine
Are Egypt's lackluster efforts leaving it isolated? Egypt seems to be ignoring chances to upgrade its social standing in the world. Egypt
Iran capitalizes on collapse of US-Russia cease-fire deal The Kerry-Lavrov cessation of hostilities for Syria unravels. Syria
How Sinai women are fueling Egypt's economy with homemade goods Bedouin women in the Sinai Peninsula defy tribal tradition and help their families by selling handmade crafts. Egypt
