Are Ankara, Washington on collision course in Syria? The tension between Turkey and the United States is threatening to sharply escalate with any missteps in the dance between Turkey's anti-Kurdish objectives and Washington's support for Syrian Kurdish groups. Syria
Wanted: Men to boycott male-only panels on Turkish TV Women have regressed from a mere minority to a real rarity on Turkish political TV programs, and a protest movement is finding little support from their powerful male colleagues. Turkey
How independent are Palestinian courts? The decision of the Palestinian High Court of Justice to postpone the local elections raised a debate among Palestinians, with some accusing the judiciary branch of being manipulated by the executive one. Palestine
Attacks spark fears that Iraq's 'liberated areas' aren't free of IS Islamic State fighters are still launching attacks against Iraq’s security forces in the liberated areas, indicating that there are still some IS enclaves and cells present on the edges of the cities. Iraq
Liberman’s punishment strategy brings an end to West Bank calm The plan by Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman to punish West Bank villages from which Palestinian assailants originate provokes anger and frustration amid the local population. Palestine
The strange case of the Israeli defense minister Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman is a rare bird in the sense that he has no significant military experience, never commanded a military unit and speaks a different language from that of the military world. Israel
Why proposed blasphemy law horrifies many in Gaza One scholar's call for an anti-blasphemy law has riled Gazans across the Strip, with some saying the idea is better suited to the Islamic State and will damage Hamas' image as a moderate Islamic movement. Palestine
Why Iran and Saudi Arabia will jaw-jaw but not war-war Despite increasingly tough rhetoric and a breakdown in diplomatic relations, neither Iran nor Saudi Arabia appears to be looking for a new fight. Gulf
US aid to Israel takes a partisan turn Senate Republicans push for $1.5 billion boost days after signing off on a record $38 billion package. Israel
Could Israel have gotten more than $38 billion in security aid? Responding to criticism by former Prime Minister Ehud Barak over the size of the US security aid secured by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the latter argued that Barak is not up-to-date on the facts. Israel
Why US' biggest challenge to fighting IS in Syria might be its own allies The Obama administration’s no-boots-on-the-ground policy in Iraq and Syria has forced it to employ creative solutions to manage the complex battlefield. But for how long? Syria
Multiple arrests in Iran as Rouhani arrives in New York Iranian authorities appear to be stepping up their crackdown on media workers amid President Rouhani’s arrival in New York to address the UN General Assembly’s annual meeting. Iran
US, UN say Syria cease-fire 'not dead' after strike on aid convoy Despite statements from the United States and UN following a deadly Sept. 19 strike on an aid convoy, there are growing doubts about whether the US-Russian agreement is viable. Syria
Turkey seeks more military cooperation with US in Syria Analysts who say the FSA is not a viable force against IS argue that the Turkish military needs the help of US forces as it prepares to move on the IS stronghold of al-Bab. Syria
Why Iran never counted on US-Russia agreement Despite welcoming the US-Russia agreement on Syria, Iran never had much faith in the initiative. As such, the collapse of the deal does not appear to have left anyone in Tehran fazed. Syria
Can Libya find unity through oil? With the Libyan National Army’s takeover of the crescent oil ports, Gen. Khalifa Hifter may be the key to a true national unity government. Libya
