How the call to prayer is uniting Israel's Arabs, ultra-Orthodox Ultra-Orthodox Knesset members have joined forces with Joint List Knesset members in objecting to the bill preventing the muezzin call to prayer. Israel
Is Iran’s Guardian Council trying to tame lawmakers? The Guardian Council’s apparent attempt to extend its powers to include supervision of members of parliament faces pushback from the government and lawmakers. Iran
Were Israeli ministers the last to learn about Gaza tunnels? According to different sources, Israeli Cabinet ministers did not receive information about the tunnels dug by Hamas in 2014, though the information was gathered by Israeli intelligence and was transferred to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Palestine
Iraq seeks to merge PMU militias under new image Popular Mobilization Units leaders are meeting with Western politicians and diplomats regularly, trying to improve the group's reputation in the West. Iraq
Saudi Arabia contemplates Trump Saudi Arabia is pleased with strong talk from US President-elect Donald Trump, but also has worries about his positions on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and on recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Saudi Arabia
Russia adjusts Syria plan as Obama’s term nears end Russia is trying to figure out all the Middle East scenarios that might affect it under a Donald Trump presidency. Syria
Why recent calls for protests failed to materialize in Egypt Calls for mass protests on Nov. 11 failed to bring Egyptians out into the streets, not only due to an increased police presence but also to a shifting sense among the populace about how to best enact change. Egypt
State of emergency shuts down Turkey's NGOs Since the failed July 15 coup attempt, some 1,500 nongovernmental organizations have been banned. Turkey
AKP bill to pardon child rapists who marry their victims Turks are furious over a proposed law that would commute the sentences of men who have sex with minors if they end up marrying the girls, but Turkey’s ruling party has the simple majority it needs to push the law, which it claims is intended to address legal issues surrounding child marriage, through parliament. Turkey
Turkey’s emergency rule fuels brain drain Turkey is losing precious human capital, as many educated Turks are migrating to the West, scared off by ferocious crackdowns since the July coup attempt. Turkey
Millions of Iranians enter Iraq for Shiite ritual Millions of Iranian pilgrims flock to Iraq to join the marking of Arbaeen, the anniversary of the 40th day of mourning after the killing of the third Shiite Imam, Hussein bin Ali. Iraq
Help wanted: Turkey advertises for special forces Running short of personnel because of massive purges, Turkey's armed forces are trying to fill the void using civilians. Turkey
Trump’s policies could jostle Jordan's position in Mideast While Jordan's strategic relationship with the United States will likely remain strong under surprise presidential victor Donald Trump, the unpredictable leader's positions on the Muslim Brotherhood, Jerusalem and the West Bank settlements are cause for concern. Jordan
Who will take charge in Raqqa after it's freed from IS? The Syrian Democratic Forces are making progress in northern Raqqa, cutting the supply lines of the Islamic State. Syria
Israeli 3G SIM cards all the rage in Gaza SIM cards allowing 3G service on Israeli telecommunications networks are being smuggled into Gaza and snapped up quickly by young Palestinians. Palestine
Gaza residents stand firm in opposition to new cement factory A project of Sanad Construction Industries to build a cement factory in the central West Bank was met with the opposition of local residents because of the potential environmental damage the area would suffer. Palestine
