Islamic State turns to cigarette smuggling to fund itself As the Islamic State loses its financial resources, it turns to fund the organization through other resources such as cigarette smuggling. Iraq
Will Cairo turn its back on Abbas? Egypt's position toward Hamas is changing, at the expense of its relations with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, as Cairo seems to be more supportive of his rival for the presidency, dismissed Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan. Palestine
How will Egypt spend its $12B from the IMF? The IMF has approved a $12 billion loan, but how will the Egyptian administration spend this amount, amid allegations of the misuse of previous Gulf loans. Egypt
Canceled speech causes political turmoil in Iran Confusion over who was behind the controversial decision to bar an outspoken Iranian parliamentarian from speaking in the city of Mashhad is raising heated debate between moderates and conservatives. Iran
Egyptians, Gazans move to strengthen economic ties During the Ain Sokhna conference in Egypt, Palestinian businessmen put forth the decade-old idea of a free trade zone between both parties, in a bid to ease the Israeli siege imposed on the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Why Turkey issued arrest warrant for this Kurdish leader Ankara issued an arrest warrant for PYD leader Salih Muslim, which appears to be part of an all-out war against Rojava. But will it work? Syria
Sunni town, Shiite PMU join forces in fight against IS Hundreds of civilians flee daily from the Islamic State-controlled areas toward Sunni areas under control of the predominantly Shiite Popular Mobilization Units. Iraq
Will Russia replace US in Palestinian prisoner swap deal? The Russian ties with Turkey and Iran may help it to embark on secret negotiations with Hamas to release Israeli soldiers detained in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Iran’s mega deal with Airbus inches closer to finalization Only days after the US House voted against the Boeing and Airbus deals with Iran, the US Treasury issued a second license for Airbus to sell 106 aircraft to Tehran. United States
Erdogan blocks child rape bill as EU Parliament votes on bid freeze After a public outcry, Turkey's ruling party scrapped its controversial bill pardoning child rapists who marry their victims in what could be a sign that common sense still has some sway in President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s "New Turkey," but likely has more to do with an expected EU move to freeze Turkey's membership bid. Turkey
Rabbis speak out against women's enlistment in IDF The national-religious sector, well represented in the Israel Defense Forces, maintains strong opposition to enlistment by women, and recent proposals to encourage religious women to enlist have met stiff resistance from a group of rabbis. Israel
Netanyahu struggles to control Israeli right in run-up to Trump The Israeli right is taking matters into its own hands as uncertainty over US President-elect Donald Trump's diplomatic strategy reigns. Israel
Turkey’s 'big bosses' gather courage to speak out on economy Turkey’s most powerful business group, TUSIAD, long silenced by the government, seems to be regaining its voice as the country’s economic downturn worsens. Turkey
Why Iran’s private sector hasn't benefited from privatization Despite ambitious plans to downsize government and help expand the private sector, Iran’s efforts to privatize state-owned enterprises continue to face serious challenges. Iran
Why Obama should move to shore up Iran nuclear deal While efforts have been made to facilitate Iran’s reconnection with the international banking system, much remains to be done. Iran
Will Israeli-Turkish relations leave Hamas in the cold? It remains unclear how Hamas-Turkish ties will be affected by the move by Turkey and Israel toward a resumption of full diplomatic relations. Israel
