The Hifter effect on the battle for Libya's Sirte The expected liberation of Sirte in the near future is overshadowed by Khalifa Hifter, the commander of the Libyan National Army, steadily gaining power and territory through the militarization of the governance of much of eastern Libya. Libya
In struggle against PKK, Turkey takes flight The conflict between Turkey and Kurdish militants is becoming more complex and destructive as the Turkish army begins using drones in warfare. Iraq
Will Palestinian local elections courts be established? The Ministry of Local Governance has suggested the formation of local elections courts to prevent the Courts of First Instance from ruling on cases related to local elections. Palestine
How these Palestinian artisans are keeping craft industry alive The residents of Hebron, in the southern part of the West Bank, are trying to preserve what is left of the ancient crafts industry. Palestine
Militants from Syria's Qudsaya prepare to leave for Idlib The Syrian regime has recently pounded the city of Qudsaya, northwest of Damascus, in a bid to reach another one of its settlements that includes the evacuation of militants from the cities. Syria
Why did Israeli Foreign Ministry director quit? The resignation of Foreign Ministry Director General Dore Gold reflects yet another instance of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's penchant for one-man rule. Israel
Iraq’s Turkmens call for independent province Turkmens and other Ninevah minorities are demanding their own provinces once the Islamic State is forced out of Ninevah, which some fear may divide the country further, causing new conflicts in the region. Iraq
Tension rises on Temple Mount during Jewish holy days Israeli security forces fear that the recent shooting attack in Jerusalem signals the beginning of a new wave of violence, especially during this month of Jewish holy days. Palestine
Obama’s three diplomatic options for Mideast peace Both Israelis and Palestinians object to a diplomatic move by US President Barack Obama: the Palestinians object to a presidential speech, while the Israelis object to a UN General Assembly resolution. Palestine
Will Obama push for Yemen cease-fire? The United States, which fired cruise missiles at rebel radar sites in Yemen on Oct. 13 after missiles were fired at a US warship, needs to push for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Yemen before things get even more out of hand. Gulf
Will screenwriters boost Egypt's literary scene? Egyptian screenwriters are revisiting the practice of turning novels into films and TV series — and perhaps reviving an interest in literature in the process. Egypt
Why Iran’s banking shake-up won't be enough The first shake-up of Iran's banking sector in three decades is only the first step toward supporting the economy. Iran
Why Turks are ignoring Gulen-related suicides At least 17 people accused of links to Fethullah Gulen, the Muslim cleric Turkey blames for the July 15 coup attempt, have committed suicide. Turkey
Iranian eulogist in trouble for saying Imam Hussein used to swear A eulogist stirred strong reactions and possible legal consequences after a televised interview in which he described how Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, used to swear. Iran
How Gulenists played the Kurd card to gain academic influence Dicle University's reputation as an academic hub for the Gulenist movement made it one of the Turkish government's first targets after the abortive July 15 coup. Turkey
Turkey’s 'devout generation' project means lost jobs, schools for many The Justice and Development Party continues its purge of secular teachers from schools, further tacking toward the Islamization of Turkish public education and leaving thousands of teachers without jobs. Turkey
