Did Tillerson's visit to Turkey relieve tensions? It is still unclear whether US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s highly anticipated visit to Ankara had a positive impact on Turkey-US relations. Turkey
Kurdish flag fans controversy in Iraq's Kirkuk Raising the Kurdistan flag atop the governmental buildings in Kirkuk sparked tension in the province and in Baghdad. Iraq
Netanyahu gains victory in battle over public broadcasting Israeli Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon found himself isolated this week when he misjudged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's control over his coalition in the fight over launching Israel's Public Broadcasting Corporation. Israel
How will Abadi handle Iraq’s Shiite militias? Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi faces a great challenge in dealing with the predominately Shiite Popular Mobilization Units fighting in Iraq, as some of its factions are refusing to be integrated into the army and other security forces. Iraq
Iran in crosshairs as Syrian war winds down As a resolution to the Syrian conflict grows closer, it is becoming clear that Iran is increasingly in the crosshairs of the Damascus regime's opponents and their backers. Saudi Arabia
Palestine tops Arab League agenda at Jordan summit Palestinian leaders have expressed happiness that their concerns were addressed at the Arab League summit, though the annual meeting has done little to convince the world of Arab resolve on any one issue. Palestine
Lebanon's complacent politicians choose more taxes over reforms As the Lebanese government passed a new budget that includes tax hikes and spending increases, economic experts are calling on politicians to instead focus on fighting corruption and money waste in state institutions. Lebanon
Qatar's lifeline to Gaza In an interview with Al-Monitor, Yousef al-Ghariz, adviser to the chair of the Qatari Committee for Reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, discussed the ins and outs of the $400 million worth of projects the committee has implemented. Business
Palestinian task force seeks to improve disaster management The Palestinian Cabinet has formed the National Disaster Risk Management Committee to study and better prepare for national disasters. Palestine
Despite talk of good relations, security concerns darken Egypt-Sudan ties Though both sides seem to be trying to downplay the conflicts, Egypt-Sudan relations remain far from friendly as Sudan accuses the Egyptian regime of supporting Sudanese rebels and Egypt accuses Sudan of hosting terror training camps. Egypt
One man's quest to save the Jewish Iraqi language Oded Amit, who was born in Baghdad and eventually fled to Israel, has taken it upon himself to teach Israelis of Iraqi immigrants the language of their ancestors in order to preserve it. Iraq
Egypt's camel racers hope to spur tourism Ismailia's annual camel race kicked off with much international fanfare and hopes for a boost in Egypt's tourism sector. Egypt
Critics say operation to take port could spell more catastrophe for Yemen As the Trump administration considers providing support for a UAE/Saudi operation to take a Yemeni port, some UN, former US officials warn it could tip Yemen into famine. Saudi Arabia
Congress raises alarm over US confrontation with Yemen's Houthis House members want the legislative branch to sign off before any escalation against the Iran-backed group. Saudi Arabia
Will EU take the lead on two-state solution? The European Union is developing a new Middle East policy, which will not depend on the Trump administration. Palestine
Turkey adopts Baghdadi as poster child for naysayers Supporters of proposed amendments to Turkey's constitution are using some vivid imagery in their campaign. Turkey
