Egypt's contraceptive crisis worsened by illegal stockpiling As contraceptive pills disappear from pharmacies in Egypt, allegations arise of illegal stockpiling by pharmaceutical companies in anticipation of a government-mandated price increase on the medication. Egypt
Is Gulf money really a lifesaver for Turkish economy? Despite assertions of impending major Gulf investment in Turkey, Europe continues to provide the bulk of external funds in the country Gulf
Will 2017 see the end of Gaza’s siege? In light of the Palestinian government's budget failure to meet the needs of the Gaza Strip, the accumulated crises resulting from the Gaza siege will likely continue to exist despite the partial solutions that may emerge. Palestine
Why are kidnappings on the rise in Baghdad? As the Islamic State is being forced out of Iraq, abductions, robberies and other crimes are on the rise as a result of the proliferation of militias. Iraq
Hamas, PA quarrel over government functions in Gaza Amid the ongoing debate between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority over administration of Gaza, Palestinians' hardships continue. Palestine
Are security passes solution to ending terrorism in Sinai? An Egyptian official suggested the issuance of security passes to northern Sinai residents, who have been complaining about Egyptian security forces' measures. Egypt
Have the Palestinians blocked US Embassy move to Jerusalem? Senior Palestinian officials believe that their restrained diplomatic approach through Jordanian and Egyptian channels helped suspend the relocation of the US Embassy to Jerusalem. Palestine
Sisi’s church donation stirs religious controversy When Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi donated 100,000 Egyptian pounds to build a mosque and a church in the new administrative capital, he stirred a wave of criticism and a religious controversy over Muslims donating to church building. Egypt
Does Trump's 'America First' approach bode ill for Israel? It is unclear whether US President Donald Trump will see in his new isolationist strategy an interest for the United States to mediate between Israel and its neighbors. Palestine
Debate over sterilizing homeless women addicts resurfaces in Iran A proposal to sterilize homeless women who are addicted to drugs has stirred heated debate in Iran again, with conservatives using the issue to attack President Hassan Rouhani's administration. Iran
Will Netanyahu's allies abandon him? For now, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is confident that Likud members and voters support him despite the police investigations, but some are very troubled by the allegations against him. Israel
Egypt's veiled mimes push the boundaries for female artists Pantomime duo raises awareness about crucial issues in the country through street art. Egypt
Syria's new national security force pledges loyalty to Turkey A video of a new police force in Syria trained and equipped by Turkey shows the troops chanting Islamist and nationalist slogans, casting doubt about Ankara's claims that it has no designs on its former Ottoman dominion. Syria
Are Iran, Saudi Arabia about to reconcile? News has surfaced of Saudi King Salman having sent condolences after the death of former Iranian President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, as Kuwait’s foreign minister visits Tehran to reportedly deliver a message from the Gulf Cooperation Council. Saudi Arabia
Lawyers struggle to pursue legal action over trash burning in Lebanon Even though trash burning is illegal in Lebanon, judges have failed to hold municipal heads accountable for allowing the burning of waste. Lebanon
How these artists are working to fight extremism in the Mideast A group of artists came together at the International Artists Gathering in Fez, Morocco, to generate strategies for a counterattack that points creativity to a social purpose and fights fire with artistic expression. Morocco
