Will Rafsanjani’s death allow Rouhani to forge his own path? Has the sudden passing of Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani put the Reformist-moderate coalition in Iran at a disadvantage? Iran
Turkey faces financial disaster Turkey's decision-makers need to step up and change their destructive policies rather than inventing an international conspiracy to blame for the country's currency crisis. Turkey
Turkey, US take Syrian Kurdish battle to Twittersphere CENTCOM retweeting Syrian Kurds' denial of affiliation with the Kurdistan Workers Party has opened a new front in the battle between Turkey and the United States over US support for Syrian Kurdish forces in the fight against the Islamic State. Syria
How new UN secretary-general plans to advance two-state process The new UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres greatly believes in collective diplomacy, and intends to imply this concept to advancing a two-state process. Palestine
Return to Aleppo: A squandered legacy Historic Aleppo was the center of many empires over the centuries but now resembles a city plundered once again by Mongols. Syria
Why FIFA paid close attention to UN anti-settlement resolution The dispute within FIFA over the status of the West Bank received a major breakthrough with UN Security Council Resolution 2334. But will Israel heed the decision? Palestine
Ramallah's blacksmiths chisel out niche in modern market Ramallah's blacksmiths work to preserve their profession and livelihood despite significant competition. Palestine
Iraqi journalists face threats, murder In the absence of deterrent laws and decisive action by the government, Iraqi journalists continue to face all manner of threats, including kidnapping, murder and persecution. Iraq
Will PA, Jordan seek out closer relations? A recent meeting of Palestinian Authority and Jordanian officials could set up a path to rapprochement. Near East
Arab film festivals not ready for 'revolution' on screen The Cairo and Dubai film festivals have both rejected certain films that deal with Egypt's January 25 Revolution, prompting many to wonder just how large a role, if any, the Egyptian government played in the decisions. United Arab Emirates
Israel's education minister takes on role of political censor Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett is promoting a law barring representatives of any anti-occupation organizations from entering high schools, effectively censoring students from information that contradicts the state's narrative. Israel
Palestinian journalists frustrated with inability to cover PA corruption As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's investigation unfolds next door, Palestinian journalists envy the press freedom to investigate alleged wrong doing in their own country. Palestine
Tillerson faces tough questions on Iran, Russia Portraying himself as a clear-eyed realist, Rex Tillerson showed keen insight into Russia but faced tough questions from senators, both Republican and Democrat, on whether he would stand up for American values. Congress
What’s ahead for Rouhani with death of ‘moderation sheikh’? Headlines and analysis of what is next continue to dominate Iranian media in the aftermath of the death of Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. Iran
Why some are calling for stripping this Egyptian Nobel laureate of citizenship Having cracked down heavily on dissent, Egypt’s ruling authorities are angered by the former vice president’s interview on a Qatari TV channel that is perceived by the Egyptian government as being hostile toward Egypt. Egypt
Ankara riled by US push for Kurdish seat at Syria talks US statements that Syrian Kurds should be included in talks on Syria's future have further agitated Turkish leaders, who are already upset about Washington's coalition with the People's Protection Units. Syria
