Israel’s Gaza war and ‘post-truth’ politics On the eve of the release of the report on the failures of the political leadership during Operation Protective Edge, the country’s leaders have launched a war of versions in order to derive political benefit. Palestine
Will Tunisia restore diplomatic ties with Syria? The resumption of diplomatic relations with Syria has become an urgent matter for the Tunisian government, given the large number of Tunisian fighters involved in the Syrian war. Syria
Gaza reels as power crisis continues to leave its population in darkness The power crisis and its roots in the Gaza Strip have stirred a heated debate involving mutual accusations between the PA and Hamas, while Palestinians take to the streets to protest the growing problem. Palestine
Will Iraq succeed in bringing Iran, Saudi Arabia closer? Iraq has been stepping up its mediation efforts to achieve a Saudi-Iranian reconciliation amid a conducive political and economic environment. Gulf
Netanyahu’s coalition rivals prepare for battle Political figures on the right are jockeying for position to lead Israel's right wing in anticipation of a police investigation and other issues forcing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step down. Israel
Iranians believe Trump will violate nuclear deal A new poll shows Iranian dissatisfaction with economic gains since the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action went into effect and apprehension about the policies of the new Trump administration. United States
Trump follows predecessors in slowing Israel embassy move Overshadowed by his unorthodox campaign promises, new US President Donald Trump, in his first days in office, has followed convention elsewhere in slowing down his pledge to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem. Israel
Syrian Kurds rebuilding Kobani from rubble The Kurds have high expectations for Rojava despite challenges. Syria
Who will replace Rafsanjani as chairman of Iran’s Expediency Council? The question of who will replace Rafsanjani as the chairman of Iran’s Expediency Council is being discussed in the Iranian media following the ayatollah's Jan. 8 death. Iran
Rights groups unmoved by Turkey's softened state of emergency As Turkey's state of emergency continues, the government has passed measures establishing a commission for grievances and reducing the period police can hold detainees without charges in what critics call a cosmetic move. Turkey
How are Syrian peace talks holding up? There were no breakthroughs on the first day of negotiating between the Syrian regime and opposition representatives, but talks resumed this morning. Syria
Is Ankara waking up to what Trump really represents? Having vilified President Obama, President Erdogan and his supporters are realizing that ties under Trump may not turn out to be what they hope. Turkey
How sports became means of defiance in Syria's besieged al-Waer Al-Waer district, one of the last rebel-held areas of Homs, has suffered under a regime siege for years, pushing its residents to demonstrate their determination to endure. Syria
Smoking ban leaves some Gaza cab drivers fuming The Gaza government has begun enforcing a ban on smoking in public transportation vehicles at the beginning of the year, to mixed reactions among drivers and passengers. Palestine
Will Rafsanjani’s death draw Iran, Egypt farther apart? As Egypt paid its condolences to the death of former Iranian President Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, many observers do not expect Rafsanjani's death to affect the rapprochement attempts between both countries. Gulf
Umm Kulthum returns to the Egyptian stage Egyptians are flocking in droves to puppet shows in Cairo that re-enact concerts by the late legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, complete with a full band. Egypt
