The American billionaires influencing Israeli policy Israeli-born American billionaires like Haim Saban and Dr. Miriam Adelson influence Israeli politics and the fate of the country, without assuming the consequences. Israel
Do DNA samples hold key to Israel's missing children mystery? As one Likud minister combs through long-classified documents, another Knesset member is advancing a DNA collection project that could shed light on the six-decades-old mystery of missing Yemenite children, but it's a race against time as their parents age. Israel
Why religious singers are gaining power in Iran Eulogists or religious singers are the latest actors to gain prominence on Iran’s ever more crowded political stage. Iran
Abbas' former opponent speaks out on postponed elections Dr. Mustafa Barghouti wants to see agreement between Fatah and Hamas and local elections held in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. Palestine
Will slaying affect potential Cairo-Brotherhood detente? The recent police killing of a former Muslim Brotherhood leader wanted by the government could cause a violent backlash in the short term, but might help bring about a reconciliation. Egypt
The death of critical journalism in Turkey Press freedom in Turkey is often assessed on the basis of jailed journalists, but this fails to fully reflect the gravity of the situation if one omits the huge number of journalists who have lost their jobs and are facing an uncertain future and struggling to survive. Turkey
Erdogan’s plans for executive presidency firm up Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s plans to amass even more power have received a welcome boost from his ultranationalist rival, and a referendum on an executive presidency could be held as early as April, his lieutenants now say. Turkey
What state of emergency means for Turkey’s Protestants After the declaration of the state of emergency in Turkey, in addition to a series of repressive measures, foreign Protestants are being deported. Turkey
Will Iraq boycott Turkey? As tension escalates between Iraq and Turkey regarding the battle to rid Mosul of the Islamic State, Iraqi politicians call for boycotting Turkish products. Iraq
Why human rights NGOs are losing support of Israeli public Human rights nongovernmental organizations are confronted by an increasingly difficult battle over Israeli public opinion, which often considers them illegitimate or hostile as they criticize the elected government. Palestine
UNESCO head's attempt to ease Israeli outrage backfires An attempt by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova to ease Israeli anger over a recent resolution has infuriated Palestinians. Palestine
Why Israelis flock to small tomb in Nablus at night Despite the fact that Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus has been the site of recurring clashes between Israelis and Palestinians, Jews keep coming to the site for nocturnal prayers. Palestine
Will Nasser al-Qudwa be Palestine's next president? The latest rumor has it that Palestinian diplomat Nasser al-Qudwa is in the running to succeed President Mahmoud Abbas. Palestine
More Palestinian lands threatened with confiscation Sixty percent of Palestinian lands in the West Bank risk confiscation by Israeli authorities under the absentee property and abandoned lands laws, which some Palestinian activists say were issued with the aim to expand Israeli settlements. Palestine
Inside Palestine’s first green school Palestine's first green school was recently inaugurated in the West Bank, and its creators hope to raise awareness among the younger generations about eco-friendly practices. Palestine
The real reason Boeing, Airbus deals with Iran matter Beyond being the first major aircraft sales with Iran in decades, the Boeing and Airbus deals are groundbreaking because they may entice major Western banks to resume dealings with the Islamic Republic. United States
