Iran, Turkey fight over Tal Afar As the predominantly Shiite Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), with the support of Iran, expand their control over the recently liberated area of Tal Afar, which has a Turkmen majority, the tension between the PMU and Turkey has increased. Iraq
Why Hamas rejected amendments to local electoral law The Palestinian government is seeking to amend the current electoral system, while Hamas claims that such changes will strengthen Fatah’s grip on the Palestinian local scene. Palestine
Gaza fishermen not permitted beyond 6-mile zone any time soon As Israel keeps delaying the decision to allow Gazan fishermen to go further into the sea, they are left with a small nautical area where fish are scarce. Palestine
Israel moves forward with banning calls to prayer A proposed Israeli law would ban the use of loudspeakers to amplify calls to prayer in mosques in Jerusalem and within the Green Line. Palestine
Will Trump's win prompt EU to adopt independent Mideast policy? Given US President-elect Donald Trump's past declarations regarding the two-state solution, the European Union is now exploring a more independent regional policy as a basis for international consensus. Palestine
Jerusalem mayor plays with fire in threat to Palestinian homes The mayor of Jerusalem has threatened to demolish Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem if the Amona settlement is evacuated. Palestine
Can this Egyptian scientist shake up political scene? An Egyptian space scientist says Egypt needs to invest in education and a new system of governance. Egypt
US firms join international air show in Iran While the US House is attempting to halt Western aircraft manufacturers’ recent deals with Iran, American companies are participating in Iran’s International Air Show. Iran
Will Iraq's Sinjar become new base for PKK? While the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and Kurdistan Democratic Party are competing over Sinjar, the Yazidis dismiss fears of the PKK making it a "second Qandil." Iraq
News of arrests of YPG-linked Czechs shocks Turkey Turkish authorities arrested two Czechs who allegedly confessed to working with the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units. Syria
Will Turkey's negative growth rates lead to political crisis? Early indicators show that Turkey's economy has begun to contract in the third quarter for the first time since 2009, raising the threat of political consequences for the AKP. Turkey
Why Turkey's Islamists are up in arms over bikini-clad sculpture An Ottoman sultan's image, painted on a sculpture of a woman's belly, draws the scrutiny and ire of young Muslims. Turkey
Why these Gazan inmates are picking up a pen behind bars Nine inmates in the correctional and rehabilitation center in the Gaza Strip joined the project to handwrite the holy Quran using Uthmanic calligraphy in an effort to obtain privileges in prison and have their sentences reduced. Palestine
How modern art is helping bridge Arab-Iranian divide A rare exhibition is bringing together Iranian and Arab modern art at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, presenting a unique opportunity for cultural diplomacy. United Arab Emirates
The trouble with Israel's deputy minister Israeli security officials accuse Deputy Minister Ayoob Kara of revealing an affair under gag order, thus endangering lives. Israel
Iraqi students forced to study without textbooks Iraq's Ministry of Education has failed to provide Iraqi students with their textbooks because of corruption and negligence. Iraq
