Women dare to dance in Gaza Female dance troupes that perform at weddings are increasingly popular in Gaza as women try to earn income for themselves and their families. Palestine
65 years later, fight to get female judges on Egypt's State Council continues For decades, Egyptian women have been banned from serving as judges on the country's State Council, but a recent parliamentary initiative gives them a glimmer of hope. Egypt
Congress races to craft Iran sanctions bills ahead of AIPAC conference Lawmakers hope to have bipartisan legislation ready when thousands of pro-Israel advocates descend on Capitol Hill next week. United States
Is Assad shifting strategy on Israel? Contrary to Israel’s typical low profile on operations in Syrian skies, Israel’s Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman warned that if Damascus fires any more missiles against IDF jets, Israel will destroy its air defense system. Israel
The coming Iran-US confrontation in Iraq With the operation to seize Mosul from the Islamic State coming to an end, it appears that Iran and the United States are on the path to a showdown in Iraq. Iraq
Iran’s supreme leader calls for 'economy of resistance' in Nowruz message As is custom, Iran’s supreme leader and president have issued video messages on the occasion of the Iranian New Year, expressing a need for further focus on economic matters. Iran
Flynn affair exposes Turkey's 'sloppy' PR efforts Though the pro-government Turkish media continues to studiously ignore the affair, the US media is busy probing former national security adviser Michael Flynn's ties to a Turkish businessman who hired him to lobby for Ankara. Turkey
Who really benefits from Turkey-Russia joint fund? A Turkish construction company, which runs major operations in Russia and was the builder of Erdogan’s controversial palace, figures prominently in a deal to create a joint investment fund between the two countries. Turkey
What’s behind Hezbollah’s safe zone project in Syria's Qalamoun? A Hezbollah deal that is reportedly being discussed with the Syrian opposition for the repatriation of Syrian refugees into safe zones in Syria would face steep hurdles in negotiating with the Lebanese government. Syria
Turkey still determined to play role in final Raqqa assault Will a Turkish-sponsored army of 50 Arab tribes actually materialize in Syria, or is Turkey just rattling its saber regarding the Raqqa offensive? Syria
Killer's release highlights fragile Jordan-Israel 'cold peace' The release of Jordanian Ahmed Daqamseh, who served 20 years in prison for killing seven Israeli schoolgirls in 1997, has split the public despite the enduring strength of its animosity for Israel. Palestine
Inside Gaza’s 'recycled library' A group of students, in partnership with Al Nayzak Organization, helped establish a library in Gaza, made up of recycled items and used books, to encourage reading among Palestinians. Palestine
Will IS find popular base in Palestine? Israel is increasingly arresting Palestinians over accusations of belonging to the Islamic State, which raises questions about IS’ presence in the Palestinian territories. Palestine
Are Turkey's big businesses breaking with AKP? A businesses' commercial to celebrate International Women’s Day may be a troubling sign for the AKP and the upcoming constitutional referendum. Turkey
Gaza receives first batch of construction trucks in 10 years The Egyptian authorities allowed for dozens of trucks carrying construction materials to enter the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing, as part of its openness policy toward the small enclave that has been besieged by Israel since 2007. Palestine
Will Bahrain use military trials against Shiite leader's supporters? Bahrain recently amended its constitution to expand military courts' jurisdiction, perhaps in anticipation of fiery protests once a verdict is announced in the trial of Sheikh Isa Qassim. Bahrain
