Speeches and eulogies won’t advance Israeli-Palestinian peace American presidents have made historic speeches about the Middle East, and have delivered inspiring eulogies at the funerals of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and President Shimon Peres — but all that has not brought peace any closer. Palestine
Is Russia pulling Turkey away from the West? Western powers must balance Russian overtures to Turkey by reaching out to Ankara on its key concerns and being cautious with their criticism. Turkey
Who could replace Peres? The late President Shimon Peres is irreplaceable, but one of three people — his son Chemi Peres, former Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi or former Chief of Staff Benny Gantz — could go on from where Peres left off. Palestine
Iran emerges as a top issue in tight congressional races The pro-Iran deal J Street is spending $500,000 to unseat nuclear deal opponents. Israel
Egypt's judiciary lends support to state’s social media snooping An Egyptian judicial body has endorsed controversial plans by the Interior Ministry to monitor social media activity, arguing that it is necessary to take all measures to protect the community and the public interest Egypt
Turkey-Iraq squabbles threaten Mosul campaign The dispute between Turkey and Iraq over the presence of Turkish troops near Mosul is threatening to derail the impending offensive to free the city from the Islamic State. Iraq
German economy minister gets himself in hot water in Iran Germany's economy minister sparks controversy in Tehran over his demand that normalization of ties is impossible without Iran’s recognition of Israel. Iran
Turkish military faces new front as Health Ministry usurps medical system Turkey has transplanted its military medical system into civilian life in the Health Ministry. Turkey
Turks cry economic warfare as Moody's lowers credit rating Turkey's freshly downgraded credit rating is fueling paranoia, though economists point out that Turkey's economic decline was well established before the coup attempt. Turkey
Is Israel's Labor Party dead? Zionist Camp leader Isaac Herzog keeps denying reports by which he is negotiating with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the possibility of joining the government. Israel
Jordanians fuming over gas deal with Israel Jordanians have taken to the streets in opposition to a deal quietly reached between Jordan and Israel to supply the kingdom with energy, with critics saying the agreement will validate and increase reliance on Israel. Israel
Will new social security law protect Palestinian workers? President Mahmoud Abbas ratified the social security law, after a campaign led to amendments that guarantees the rights of employees, women and people with disabilities. Palestine
Is Hamas reconsidering its ties and policies? Hamas might be issuing a document soon detailing its stances toward various aspects of the Palestinian cause, as well as its ties with local parties and foreign countries. Palestine
Israel's 'death sentence' for Gaza's economy Israel has been revoking the travel and import permits of Gaza merchants and importers, threatening the collapse of Gaza's economy. Palestine
Why calls for independence are in decline in Iraqi Kurdistan The economic crisis in Iraqi Kurdistan has decreased independence ambitions significantly, while the social and political demands to turn toward Baghdad are increasing in the region. Iraq
Iranians see Trump as dangerous — but to Iran or the US? Given the harsh rhetoric of both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton toward Iran, which candidate do Iranians prefer to be the next US president? United States
