Probe blames corruption for imports of bad food, medicine in Iraq Iraqi politicians rebuke regulatory and health authorities as spoiled food and expired medications are discovered. Iraq
Will new regulations deal a blow to Palestine’s local tobacco industry? The Palestinian government approved a plan to regulate the local tobacco industry to increase tax revenue and end the chaos plaguing the market. Palestine
Is Egypt's new bankruptcy bill enough to lure back investors? The Egyptian government submitted to the parliament a new legislation to regulate cases of bankruptcy to ensure a safe exit for struggling investors in a bid to improve the business environment amid a lingering economic crisis. Egypt
What will Hamas charter change mean for Israel? Israeli experts disagree on whether expected amendments to Hamas' charter will significantly change the movement’s attitude toward Israel and whether it is wise to open a direct dialogue with the movement. Palestine
Popular Egyptian TV show takes advantage of social media drama All the world's a stage when it comes to social media, and a new TV series points out why that can be dangerous, while at the same time entertaining Egyptians and garnering high ratings. Egypt
Self-immolations on the rise among Iraqi Kurdish women Despite the colorful image painted to the outside world of female peshmerga forces contributing to the fight in Iraqi Kurdistan, some women in the region are facing extensive oppression and violence. Iraq
Why Iran-Turkey tension won’t spiral out of control Despite the increasing verbal confrontations between Iran and Turkey, tension between the neighbors is unlikely to spiral out of control. Turkey
Will Turks in Europe bear brunt of Erdogan's outbursts? While the Netherlands is Turkey's latest target of tough rhetoric, the millions of ethnic Turks in Europe could face a future that is uncertain and more difficult than it already is for them right now. Turkey
Zarif gives Netanyahu lesson in Jewish scripture Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments on ancient Persia have angered Iranian officials. Israel
Is Trump planning a two-state regional conference? In order to “close a deal’’ between Israel and the Palestinians, President Donald Trump wants to convene a regional two-state conference later in the year. Palestine
How 'complete' is normalization between Russia, Turkey? Russia and Turkey recently agreed to cooperate in several significant areas, but there's still some question about how far their friendship extends. Turkey
The art of hand clapping makes comeback in Egypt The Arab folk art of hand clapping was on the verge of dying out, but a musical group in Egypt has revived the practice. Egypt
Henna-adorned hands give voice to Turkish referendum opponents A female politician with an ultranationalist background rocks the social and political scene on International Women’s Day using a simple flag designed on her palm with henna. Turkey
What does double-digit inflation mean for Turkey? The accelerating pace of Turkey’s inflation threatens significant erosion in most forms of income on which the country’s population lives. Turkey
Extremist expansion in southern Syria puts Jordan on guard The expansion of radical Islamist factions in southern Syria has raised concerns from Jordan that these groups would pledge allegiance to the Islamic State and seek to establish an emirate on its northern borders. Jordan
US puts off announcing decision on Raqqa until after Turkey referendum The US military wants to work with local forces against the Islamic State in Raqqa, but still is working out many of the details, including who should hold what ground after IS is defeated. Israel
