How Hamas plans to rebrand internationally It is thought that a policy document being finalized by Hamas will reflect a new flexibility in the movement's policies and perspectives. Palestine
Congress wants answers from Turkey on shutdown of US aid pipeline to Syria Senate Democrats are warning Ankara not to take out its anger over US aid to Kurds on Mercy Corps. Syria
Why dust storms still suffocate Iran’s Khuzestan province The administration of President Hassan Rouhani has declared that it has made great strides in combating dust storms and pollution in Iran’s southwestern province of Khuzestan, but the region appears to still be in the grip of recurring environmental crises. Iraq
The real reason Ahmadinejad still covets media attention Iran’s former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s attempts to attract attention ahead of the May 19 elections spark outrage among moderates and Reformists. Iran
Turkey deports Dutch cows While 40 Dutch cows have been expelled by Turkey and are on their way to the Netherlands, Turkish hackers attacked the Twitter accounts of international organizations and celebrities. Turkey
What next for Sinai's displaced Copts? Hundreds of Copts have fled Islamic State threats and killings in el-Arish while awaiting the return of stability to their city. Culture & Society
Wrath of Euphrates spokeswoman: Raqqa is now isolated Islamic State militants in Raqqa are now surrounded as Syrian Democratic Forces cut off the last land route to and from the city, foretelling an imminent battle to liberate IS' capital. Syria
Why former defense minister is leaving Israel's ruling party Senior Likud figures who quit the party are flourishing and occupy important positions in the government, while senior Likud members are afraid to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
Iran’s parliament speaker throws weight behind Rouhani Iran’s powerful parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has thrown his weight behind Hassan Rouhani, supporting him in the upcoming May 19 presidential elections. United States
Has Rouhani achieved his goals for Iranian economy? With his first term coming to an end in the next few months, it is time to assess President Hassan Rouhani’s management of the Iranian economy. Iran
Erdogan slams Dutch over Srebrenica as diplomatic row intensifies The diplomatic crisis between Turkey and the Netherlands shows no signs of letting up, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatening the Netherlands with sanctions and reporting it to the European Court of Human Rights. Turkey
Whose ears burn most when Russia, Israel meet? Moscow has been hosting an array of dignitaries recently, leaving observers to speculate on the possible topics of conversation. Israel
Celebrating garbage the Egyptian way The Garbage Festival teaches Egyptians the value of eco-friendly living and serving society through recycling. Egypt
The limits to Ankara’s reliance on Moscow Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Moscow visit last week enabled Ankara to show Europe it has alternatives, but thorns continue to exist in the side of Turkish-Russian ties. Turkey
How conflict with the West empowers Erdogan How did the West so firmly become the main enemy for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his supporters? Turkey
Who will Abbas meet first: Putin or Trump? In his expected meeting with US President Donald Trump, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will try to convey the image of a peace-seeking and open-minded leader, contrary to the image depicted to Trump by Israel. Palestine
