Gaza's all-female cafe, a breath of fresh air Three women from Gaza opened an all-female cafe in the center of Gaza City, where women can gather, relax and laugh without the judgmental looks they get in mixed restaurants. Palestine
Egypt's religious institutions to offer couples premarital sex ed To curb divorce rates, Egypt's Dar al-Ifta is offering a marriage preparation program for would-be couples, including sex education. Egypt
Efforts to privatize electricity face resistance in Iraq Five southern provinces objected to the Iraqi government's decision to privatize the electricity sector in the country. Iraq
Despite massive setbacks, IS still bares its fangs in Iraq As it is losing ground in Mosul, the Islamic State is carrying out attacks against Iraqi security and civilian targets elsewhere to preserve its presence in Iraq. Iraq
Can new mobile app help solve Egypt's environmental problems? A new mobile application aimed at collecting and recycling e-waste may face obstacles in Egypt because of a lack of awareness about the importance of recycling and protecting the environment. Egypt
Baghdad-Erbil oil disputes on hold until Mosul liberation Iraqi Oil Minister Jabar al-Luaibi spoke to Al-Monitor about production and revenue-sharing disputes between Baghdad and Erbil, and addressed plans to attract foreign investors to the country’s energy sector. Iraq
Congress prepares for another showdown over Saudi arms sales Senators of both parties are determined to keep US bombs out of Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Zarif visits Qatar as Iran, Saudi Arabia continue hajj talks Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif traveled to Qatar to discuss bilateral relations after a flurry of diplomatic activity recently between Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council member states. Saudi Arabia
Did boycott win Farhadi an Oscar — and Islamic Republic’s embrace? Iranian authorities have clearly welcomed director Asghar Farhadi’s latest Oscar, unlike last time — but what is next for this Academy Award winner? Iran
Can Arab Quartet advance two-state solution? Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi might propose that President Donald Trump meet with the Arab Quartet in order to advance the two-state solution. Saudi Arabia
Will Turkey be added to European list of undemocratic countries? While various European countries have canceled pro-referendum rallies organized by Turkish politicians, the Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has called for Turkey to be added to its list of countries considered undemocratic. Turkey
Egypt puts off collection of hotels’ debts to boost tourism To salvage its ailing tourism sector, the Egyptian government has extended the grace period for the country’s hotels to pay all financial dues and debts. Egypt
Could Israel’s justice minister become prime minister? Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked has been a popular Cabinet member, but as a woman in a small, right-wing religious party, she has many obstacles to overcome on her way to the prime minister’s office. Israel
Will Abbas stop paying Gaza employees’ salaries? Donor states are threatening to stop transferring funds destined to pay the salaries of former Palestinian Authority employees in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Is quest to increase Egypt's presidential terms really altruistic? Egyptian politicians and the public are skeptical about a lawmaker's attempt to lengthen the presidential term. Egypt
When Israel's Court has to prevent Palestinian land theft The Israeli High Court will have to decide on the legality, constitutionality and morality of stealing Palestinian lands. Palestine
