New documentary highlights life of imprisoned Palestinian leader The producers of "Marwan," a documentary about the life of imprisoned Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti, hope to revive national pride among Palestinians with his story. Palestine
What can memorizing the Quran buy you in Gaza? Gazans who have memorized the Quran can have their weddings paid for through a new, controversial program in Gaza. Palestine
Can economic opportunity bring Turkey, Egypt closer? Turkey and Egypt are making investment overtures toward one another despite lingering political animosity that is unlikely to be resolved. Egypt
Who benefits from the appointment of Abbas’ deputy? Following the choice of Mahmoud al-Aloul as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' deputy, a disappointed Jibril Rajoub might reunite forces with Abbas’ rival Mohammed Dahlan. Palestine
Trump leaves Israelis, Palestinians to own fate After the first meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, Israeli leaders are confused about the future of the peace process. Palestine
How this Egyptian woman overcame roadblocks to become a mechanic Can Luxor-based auto mechanic Lekaa El Kholy help fix the status of women in Egyptian society? Egypt
How Palestinians plan to proceed after Trump-Netanyahu meeting Despite their disappointment over the declarations by US President Donald Trump after his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Palestinians vow to continue their diplomatic efforts. Palestine
Washington quietly rebuffs Turkish delegation’s anti-YPG efforts A high-level delegation of Turkish Foreign Ministry, military and intelligence officials has failed to persuade the United States to exclude the Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units from a planned offensive to liberate Raqqa. Syria
In run-up to referendum, Turks can say anything but 'no' The Turkish ruling party's campaign to push through amendments to grant the president sweeping new powers is having absurd and sobering consequences. Turkey
Why Arab leaders cannot replace legitimate Palestinian ones The Trump-Netanyahu love fest that was broadcast around the world doesn’t bode well for Palestinians or for any possible peaceful breakthrough. Gulf
Will major opposition groups face off in Syria? The new formation of Tahrir al-Sham, which is comprised of several Syrian opposition factions including Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, raises questions about the goals of this new group. Syria
New Tunisian electoral law raises issue of military’s role in politics The Tunisian parliament approved a new law on municipal elections, which granted military and security members the right to vote and raised concerns that the decision threatens the institutions' neutrality. Tunisia
Could Flynn actually have been good for Iran-US relations? Iranian media generally accept that Michael Flynn, who resigned after 23 days as US national security adviser, was an anti-Iran hawk, though some believe his relations with Russia could have proved useful in changing the Trump administration’s policies toward Iran. Russia
Resumption of Iranian oil shipping off to slow start While many are hailing Iran's first oil tanker reaching European shores as an important development, the country's energy sector must still overcome several more hurdles. Iran
Egypt swears in new Cabinet members after tough search Egypt faced a lot of rejections before it was able to field nine new Cabinet members. Egypt
Palestinians work for Abbas-Trump meeting next After positive meetings with CIA Director Mike Pompeo, the Palestinian leadership believes it is in the interest of President Donald Trump to also hear the Palestinian side of the story. Palestine
