Is Israel’s education minister abandoning secular schools? Recent data indicates that Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett is using his budget to inject more orthodox and national values into schools, reducing the budget for teaching democratic and pluralistic values. Israel
Will new Fatah leaders' fluency in Hebrew make a difference? The Palestinian leaders who were elected for Fatah's Central Committee speak Hebrew fluently, which some analysts say will help break the language barrier during talks with Israelis. Palestine
Israel's controversial settlement bill provokes Palestinian blitz Palestinians believe that the Israeli regularization bill, designed to authorize settlements built on Palestinian lands, serves as a "smoking gun," proving that Israel is not interested in negotiations. Palestine
Why Iran's currency is suddenly wobbling After years of relative stability, the Iranian rial is once again wobbling — but why? Iran
How a pet monkey upset Libya's fragile tribal relations A pet monkey caused a violent clash between two of Libya's main tribes and former allies, reflecting the fragile relations between clans that could be detrimental to the country's future. Libya
Why some Egyptians prefer Syrian wives Syrian women in Egypt are sought after by some Egyptian men who think they are preferable to their Egyptian counterparts, amid fears of exploitation of their financial status. Egypt
New documentary on Egyptian conscription faces strong criticism An Al Jazeera documentary about Egypt’s military conscription was broadcast to a wave of protests from officials in Cairo. Egypt
Iraq's Caucasus tribes demand formal recognition Iraq's Caucasus tribes — the Circassians, Chechens and Dagestanis — are joining together in the hopes of being recognized as an official minority group in the Iraqi Constitution. Iraq
Why didn't Fatah congress discuss report on Arafat's death? Fatah's general congress has ended without discussion of an official investigation into late PLO leader Yasser Arafat's death, though the topic had been expected to be included in the meeting's agenda. Palestine
Where do Kurds fit in Syria conflict? The future of the Syrian Kurds hinges on the policies of US President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin toward Turkey. Syria
Iran hawks lay out their wish list for Trump era Outright repeal is out, sanctions and military pushback are in. United States
US presidential transition adds turmoil to Syria diplomacy As the Syrian regime makes rapid gains to retake rebel-held eastern Aleppo, renewed diplomatic efforts to try to broker a pause in the fighting remain uncertain. Syria
Hifter in Moscow: Russia’s shifting interests in Libya Russia’s interest in Libya evolves as Gen. Khalifa Hifter transforms from a strongman for the army into a politician. Libya
Turkey's shredded Syria policy The fall of Aleppo to Syrian government forces has Ankara recalibrating its options in Syria. Syria
Iranian top brass meet to discuss response to US sanctions The Iranian state body tasked with monitoring the implementation of the nuclear deal convenes in response to the US Congress’ extension of the Iran Sanctions Act. United States
The year Saudi Arabia wants to forget For Saudi Arabia, 2016 has been fraught with many difficulties, including an ongoing war in Yemen, falling oil revenues, souring relations with allies Egypt and Pakistan, and the resurgence of Iran. Saudi Arabia
