What's behind Israel's decision to welcome Syrian orphans? Right-wing nongovernmental organizations in Israel have launched campaigns in favor of Syrian refugees, calling upon the government to show that Israelis care about their neighbors being massacred daily. Israel
4 reasons Turkey is destined for an imperial presidency President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's April referendum will pass, not because Turkish voters yearn for one-man rule or authoritarianism, but because the system is producing the desired outcomes for those in power. Turkey
Iraq welcomes return of foreign archaeological missions Iraq has signed a contract with a British exploration mission for further excavation at the historic Tell Khaiber site west of Nasiriyah. Iraq
Gaza’s women venture into comedy acting Gaza’s women are rebelling against religious and cultural customs and joining men in comedy shows that are broadcast on social networking sites. Palestine
Why pension funds in Iran could face bankruptcy tsunami Years of mismanagement and populist legislation, coupled with an increasingly ageing population, have driven Iranian pension funds to the brink of mass bankruptcy. Iran
How Palestinian authorities plan to clamp down on cybercrime The establishment of a cybercrime task force in Palestine aims to deter e-crimes, which many Palestinians are falling victim to and are not reporting to the police out of fear and intimidation. Palestine
Palestinians need own strategy to end occupation The disappointing Paris peace conference should convince Palestinians of the need to develop a strategy of their own and not to rely on the international community to end the Israeli occupation. Palestine
Circus troupe takes Jerusalem's streets by storm Three young Palestinians founded Street Circus to put on free, spontaneous shows for entertaining residents and bringing attention to the city's lack of support for the arts. Palestine
Sinai women turn to embroidery to preserve Bedouin culture Despite the worsening security situation, an Egyptian woman from the Sinai Peninsula launched a project to modernize traditional female attire and promote Sinai's rich Bedouin heritage for tourism. Egypt
The secret nightlife of Jerusalem’s old market Ultra-Orthodox leaders are fighting to keep the old Jerusalem market of Mahane Yehuda from slipping further into a hot nightspot. Israel
Who will have upper hand in Trump’s Mideast policy? Palestinians are enlisting the European Union, Egypt and Russia to counterbalance pro-Israeli positions that prevail within President Donald Trump’s entourage. Palestine
British leader defends Iran deal in meetings with Republicans British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to urge Donald Trump not to mess with the nuclear deal after delivering the same message to congressional Republicans. Congress
How will Trump’s anti-Muslim Brotherhood inner circle view Qatar? While Qatar’s support for groups such as Hamas has caused tense ties with the United States in the past, Donald Trump’s presidency could create even more challenges for Qatar. Saudi Arabia
Iranian conservative, Reformist media jointly lash out at Trump’s planned visa ban Donald Trump’s reported decision to at least temporarily ban Iranians from entering the United States has angered Iranians, leading a prominent actress to boycott the upcoming Academy Awards. Meanwhile, Iranian media are warning the government to prepare for the new US administration’s other possibly punitive measures. United States
Turkey holds applause for Trump's safe-zone promise Turkey would still likely welcome a US-sponsored safe zone in rebel-held areas, but the new US president's pledge to order safe zones did not specify where in Syria they might be established. Syria
Why Islamists are no longer Erdogan’s favorites Turkey’s new ruling ideology is Erdoganism, and its critics include some Islamists who now find themselves in the “traitor” category. Turkey
