Who's at fault for Egypt's economic crisis? The Egyptian economy seems on the verge of a profound crisis unless decision-makers in Cairo succeed in reaching exceptional agreements with petroleum exporters. Egypt
How serious is Israel about allowing return of Gaza workers? Israel's decision to allow workers from the Gaza Strip to hold jobs in adjacent towns is a positive step that, if implemented, will improve the economic situation in Gaza. Palestine
Is Abbas turning his back on Egypt? Despite lukewarm relations between Palestine and Egypt, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will not turn his back on Cairo. Palestine
How Gaza's female first responders are saving lives, breaking stereotypes In a patriarchal society such as the Gaza Strip, a group of female first-aid workers created controversy when they headed to a football stadium to help male players. Palestine
Rojava leader: Turkey cannot stop Kurds from advancing in Syria In an interview with Al-Monitor, Fawza al-Yusuf, a board member of the Democratic Federal System for Rojava-Northern Syria, spoke about the battle for Raqqa, Turkey's involvement in the conflict and Syria's future. Syria
Remnants of ancient church keep this family in Sebastia Abu Abdullah volunteered to look after the remaining walls of St. John the Baptist Church in Sebastia, which he refuses to leave even though his family is the only remaining Christian family in the village. Palestine
Is this the beginning of a revolution by Saudi women? Saudi youths of both sexes are rebelling against their religious, social and political reality in light of contradictions between the religious and political speeches and deeds. Saudi Arabia
Israelis wary, Palestinians despairing over Tillerson appointment Secretary of State-designate Rex Tillerson’s ties with Arab countries worry Israeli officials, while Palestinians despair that the Trump administration is an extension of the current right-wing Israeli government. Palestine
Anger as Israel finances Amona relocation while poor go without Outrage is sweeping Israel as the government is set to allocate $34 million to empty the Amona outpost of law-breaking settlers despite the budget cuts that are crippling small municipalities. Israel
Iranian youth join wave of ecotourism Iranian youths, particularly those from affluent backgrounds, join the growing trend of ecotourism, roaming the country’s vast desert, mountains and forests. Iran
Will Iran’s next Oscar-winning film be in Spanish? Oscar-winning Iranian director Asghar Farhadi’s latest project will be a Spanish-language film featuring power couple Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem. Iran
Why does Rouhani suddenly want to 'rename' Iran’s currency? The Hassan Rouhani administration’s push for currency reform is being met with criticism as economists say the Iranian economy is not yet ready to handle the potential dangers of a redenomination. Iran
Obama administration, allies try to buy time for Iran nuclear deal In its final weeks, the Obama administration and its European allies are trying to convince the emerging Trump team that the deal is working. United States
Iranian media lauds Putin's restraint after assassination Following the assassination of Russia’s ambassador to Turkey, Iranian newspapers praised President Vladimir Putin for his “wise” decisions after the killing. Syria
Turkey’s entanglement in Syria sparks violence, assassination at home As Turkey gets more into the Syrian swamp, the Syrian spillover into Turkey could turn into a flood. Syria
Is Turkey going to reinstate the caliphate? Erdogan’s populist slogan “National will demands this” is pulling the country into a quagmire. Turkey
