Intrigue surrounds arrest, release of Iranian dissident cleric’s son The arrest and release of Ahmad Montazeri, the son of Ayatollah Hussein Ali Montazeri, sheds light on behind-the-scenes maneuvering by clerics in Iran. Iran
What’s stopping Rouhani from reaching out to Trump? While some Iranians argue that more should have been done to improve relations with the United States under former President Barack Obama, not everyone in Iran agrees. United States
Is Putin Bibi's new 'bestie'? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin have developed a surprising rapport and unexpected coordination between their countries on Syria. Palestine
Could Turkey’s misstep in Manbij provide template for Raqqa? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s latest threat complicates Pentagon planning to oust the Islamic State from its so-called capital; United States provides intelligence for Iraqi strike in Syria. Iraq
What is Russia’s thinking on Libya? In its effort to pursue national security interests in the Middle East, Russia is increasingly involved in the conflict in Libya. Egypt
Iran’s private sector having hard time financing expansion While the Iranian debt market has greatly expanded in past years, providing an alternative to banks for financing, private sector firms are left out of this boom. Iran
Can 'uber for horses' stir up tourism in ancient Egyptian city? In an attempt to revive the ailing tourism industry, Egypt's government is trying out-of-the-box ideas, such as a ride-hailing app for horse carriages. Egypt
Why Iran won’t work as a bargaining chip between Russia, US Russia and Iran have enough overlapping interests to keep their relationship strong, even if the United States tries to interfere. Russia
Turkish government outsources urban security To make up for the security gap in southeastern cities and Istanbul, Turkey has resurrected the historical institution of neighborhood street watchmen. Turkey
How forex market became a gambling house in Turkey Thousands of Turks, eager to make quick money, have acquired big losses in leveraged transactions at the foreign exchange market, leading the authorities to intervene. Turkey
Lebanese president provokes outcry with Hezbollah comment President Michel Aoun stated in an interview that Lebanon needs Hezbollah’s arms to defend the country from potential Israeli aggression, stirring harsh criticism from his political opponents. Israel
Israeli centrist leader speaks, says little The measured response of Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid to the state comptroller’s Gaza war report reflects his ongoing strategy to become Israel's next prime minister. Palestine
Iraq, Iran agree to resolve dispute on joint oil fields After many years, Iraq and Iran have decided to form a joint committee to resolve differences about the oil fields between the two countries and the supply of a new oil pipeline to Iran. Iraq
Iraqis defiant as extremists threaten to attack Babylon After extremists reportedly threatened to attack the ancient site of Babylon, local Iraqis are swearing to protect both the city's antiquities and its character as a cultural center. Iraq
Will Hezbollah join Palestinian factions in confrontation with Israel? Amid calls to unify fronts between Palestinian resistance factions in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, experts envision many difficulties in this possibility of coordination. Palestine
Egypt hopes Chinese visitors can make up for Russian tourism decline Egypt's tourism sector is working to attract the largest possible number of tourists to offset its recent heavy losses, especially in light of the sharp decline in Russian tourism. Egypt
