Can Iran moderates hold ground against US pressure? The US Congress vote to extend the Iran Sanctions Act has provoked harsh rhetoric in Tehran as well as a tempered response from decision-makers. United States
Is Iraqi government censoring media's military coverage? The Iraqi government is keeping an eye on media outlets and humanitarian organizations covering the battle of Mosul in order to prevent them from publishing false reports. Iraq
Will Egypt open embassy in Gaza? The renovation of an Egyptian consulate in the Gaza Strip has raised hopes of increased Egyptian engagement in Gaza as reports say Egypt has threatened Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas with moving the Egyptian Embassy from Ramallah to Gaza. Palestine
How a new generation of members could shake up Hamas A new generation of Hamas members is seeking election to the Shura Council to reshape and revitalize the movement. Palestine
Will Israel expand settlement to Jerusalem border? Israeli plans to expand the Ma’ale Adumim settlement and achieve territorial continuity all the way to Jerusalem might spark international uproar. Palestine
Democratic lawmakers slam Trump over Bahrain reception Manama critics on Capitol Hill assail decision to host independence celebration at president-elect's Washington hotel. Bahrain
Maestro turns Egyptian children in need into songbirds Egypt's Children's Choir helps give orphans and street kids new perspectives on life. Egypt
Iranian hard-liner alleges FM Zarif is American spy A prominent Iranian hard-liner accused Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif of being an American spy as anger toward the US and the Rouhani administration heats up. Iran
What Iran's presidential election means for Russia As Russia’s and Iran’s foreign policies become congruent, Russia looks to Iran’s 2017 elections for clues into their future relationship. Russia
What's at stake in Syria Al-Bab is the current focal point of complicated, interwoven developments unfolding in northern Syria. Syria
Why Erdogan wears the 'dictator' label with pride The winds of Trumpism have already reached Turkey, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan finds being called a dictator acceptable. Turkey
Should Ankara be optimistic about relations with Trump? Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has expressed optimism about improved US-Turkish relations during a Trump administration. Syria
Will Trump bring Egypt, Israel closer? Observers wait to see what role, if any, the Trump administration might play in a rapprochement between Israel and Egypt. Egypt
Is Turkey at the end of its EU adventure? The European Parliament’s call to freeze membership talks with Turkey may not be binding for EU leaders, but still marks a grim milestone with far-reaching political and economic implications for Turkey. Turkey
Meet Gaza’s top businesswoman Mona Adnan Ghalayini, Gaza’s top businesswoman, talks to Al-Monitor about her journey to reach the position she currently occupies despite the social restrictions. Palestine
Will new law restrict Egyptian NGOs' activities? The Egyptian parliament has approved a new law to regulate the activities of civil society organizations and monitor their sources of funding, although some view this as going against the Egyptian Constitution. Egypt
