New initiative helps Egyptians fight back against sexual harassment The Aman Initiative, launched in September, aims to educate Egyptians about sexual harassment, encourage women to report assault and train women to defend themselves in threatening situations. Egypt
Clinton and Trump going all in as Election Day nears With less than 10 days until Election Day, both major party nominees are campaigning hard in battleground states. United States
Will populists sideline liberals in Israel's Likud? Three Likud ministers advance equal rights for the Israeli-Arab population, whereas other ministers and many Knesset members opt for a populist, discriminating discourse. Israel
Former political prisoner speaks out on Egypt's jails In regard to treatment of prisoners in Egypt’s jails, political activist and lawyer Mahienour el-Massry tells Al-Monitor, “Things in prison don't go according to the law. Rather, they go according to the practice of the prison commissioner.” Egypt
Deciphering Ankara's Middle East policy A mix of traditional Turkish fears and the Justice and Development Party's political ambitions has come to shape Turkey’s regional policies, especially in Syria and Iraq. Turkey
How Arab women are reshaping Israel's film industry Several films directed by and starring Israeli-Palestinian women have recently won big awards at film festivals, reshaping the local film industry. Israel
New UN secretary-general considers special mission to Palestine New UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will present innovative and proactive ideas for the United Nations to deepen its involvement in advancing the two-state solution. Palestine
Is rapprochement underway between Palestinian rivals Dahlan, Hamas? Palestinians are divided over the motives behind recent coordination between Hamas and dismissed Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan. Palestine
Vital Palestinian private sector not getting necessary foreign aid A recent study found that despite the significant role foreign aid plays in the Palestinian economy, the private sector is not receiving the support it deserves. Palestine
How Gaza’s plastic factories are betting on recycling Plastic factories in the Gaza Strip seek to develop the local production of products through recycling, and break the reliance on imported goods. Palestine
Who will liberate Raqqa? The United States says a military operation to isolate the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa needs to get underway within weeks, but Turkey as well as Washington’s Syrian Arab allies oppose any plan to use Kurdish forces to take the city. Iraq
Two Americans detained in tense Tunisia border town Matters got interesting after two American brothers in their early 30s traveled to a Tunisian town near the Algerian border. Tunisia
How Egyptians are responding to soaring costs A campaign to lower food prices for Egyptians has good intentions, but economic experts say it will have no lasting impact. Egypt
Why Reformists have no choice but to back Rouhani Despite the discontent among his key Reformist backers, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani seems set for another term — if only because of a lack of options. Iran
The main reason Rouhani replaced three of his ministers There are many reasons for the Iranian president’s decision to reshuffle his Cabinet, but none outweigh his drive to cement his chances for a second term in next year’s election. Iran
