Trump's pick for Israel envoy to undergo unprecedented Senate grilling Senate Democrats vow tough hearing on David Friedman as advocates of a two-state solution ramp up their lobbying. By Julian Pecquet
Turkish-Greek standoff over Aegean islets continues Disagreements over the fate of suspected Gulenist officers in Greece and the status of disputed Aegean Sea islands continue to chill Turkish-Greek relations. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Jordan eyes center stage in Russia’s anti-terrorism policy Jordan's King Abdullah, who visited Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last week and is in Washington this week, could become a key intermediary between Russia and the Trump administration. By Yury Barmin
Why are Syrian rebels stepping up efforts to isolate Iran? The Syrian rebels’ rejection of Iran as a guarantor of the cease-fire in Syria is about much more than simple anti-Iranian sentiment among Sunni militants. By Hamidreza Azizi
Iranian president calls Trump 'novice in politics' Iran’s defense minister has confirmed the reports of a new Iranian missile test, saying it is not in violation of the nuclear deal. By Rohollah Faghihi
How Tunisia's young entrepreneurs are hoping to boost the economy Co-working spaces support the rising entrepreneurship sector among the educated youth who are unable to get traditional jobs. By Sarah Souli
Is Israeli opposition harming High Court's status? A court petition submitted by Zionist Camp leader Isaac Herzog against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holding the Communications Ministry reflects the opposition's weakness and damages the court. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Turkey squeezed between Russia, US in Syria US President Donald Trump’s safe zones idea and Russia’s draft constitution get cold reactions from Ankara. By Semih Idiz
Smuggling activities more than double at Israel-Gaza borders Israel has announced an unprecedented rise of goods smuggling through its border into the besieged Gaza Strip, despite the Israeli security measures at the crossings. By Adnan Abu Amer
Is a bromance brewing between Sudan, the Saudis? Egypt gets the cold shoulder while Saudi Arabia helps get some US sanctions lifted from Sudan, and Khartoum remains committed to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen. By Fahd al-Otaibi
Could submarine scandal blow up in Netanyahu’s face? A private report by Zionist Camp Knesset member Erel Margalit claims that the submarine purchase affair and the possible involvement of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu run much deeper than preliminary revelations in the press. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Hezbollah torn between local, regional roles In light of the raging regional crises, Hezbollah has been intervening outside Lebanon's border in support of its foreign allies in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere, raising controversy inside the country about the movement’s local and regional influence. By Haytham Mouzahem
Sexual harassment common even for Iraqi women professionals As Iraqi women expand their presence in the workplace, they are increasingly subjected to sexual harassment, including at public institutions. By Adnan Abu Zeed