Saudis have high hopes for Trump following Syria airstrike After failing in efforts to push Obama toward further involvement against Damascus in the Syrian conflict, Saudi Arabia is hoping the airstrike launched by Trump against a Syrian air base early this morning is not a one-off. Saudi Arabia
What US airstrike means for Washington’s Syria policy As allies express cautious approval of the US airstrike in Syria, the United States says its targeted action does not signal a broader shift to military regime change. Syria
Washington sees Iraq as front for Iran pushback Prime Minister Hader al-Abadi is facing a very problematic challenge as the United States wants to use Iraq as a place to confront Iran. Iraq
Is Iraq poised for large-scale military involvement in Syria? As the battle against IS approaches its end in Iraq, Syria and Iraq have stepped up their security and military cooperation with the aim of preserving Iraqi territories against the activities of terrorist groups operating from the Iraq-Syria border area. Iraq
Will Kurds finally vote for an independent Kurdistan? Two major Kurdistan parties have agreed to hold a referendum for independence. Are the region and the world ready for an independent Kurdistan? Iraqi-Kurdistan
Eyes roll in Tel Aviv at Netanyahu's one-man band Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is quick to appropriate the achievements of his ministers, and the habit has become a running joke in political circles. Israel
Palestinian storyteller brings fresh vision to ancient tradition Although storytelling is normally reserved for the elderly, a young Palestinian man is reviving Palestinian heritage through folktales and organizing tours to archaeological sites. Palestine
Egypt's small farmers left in the dust by Sisi's agricultural project The first round of the 1.5 Million Feddan Project, launched by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to fight unemployment through sustainable agriculture, stirred angry reactions from small farmers who only received 1% of the lands, while the rest was allocated to big companies. Egypt
Why this Likud MK presents unique challenge to Netanyahu Knesset member Yehuda Glick advocates for the right of Jews to pray at the Temple Mount, but at the same time he champions liberal values such as freedom of the press. Palestine
The political scenarios to defeat Netanyahu in early elections With the prospect for early elections in Israel, the Zionist Camp must decide whether to join forces with left-wing Meretz and its liberal-humanist ideology or tag along with Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid. Israel
Israeli chefs get creative during Passover Israeli chefs recount to Al-Monitor how Passover restrictions force them to become more innovative than ever before in their cooking and baking. Israel
How religious female soldiers are transforming the IDF Female commanders of combat units in the Israel Defense Forces, especially religious women, are provoking apprehension among religious Zionist leaders in Israel. Israel
Documentary sews Palestinian narrative through women's eyes “Stitching Palestine,” a documentary film, adopts a motif of traditional Palestinian embroidery to focus on the lives of 12 Palestinian women who are all living in exile, and what Palestine means to them. Palestine
How Palestinian female inmates are getting a second chance The General Directorate for Correction and Rehabilitation Centers in the Gaza Strip held a two-day exhibition to display and sell handicrafts and handmade products made by female inmates. Palestine
How Syrian opposition is making up for teacher shortage The teacher training institute in the opposition-controlled city of Marea in Aleppo’s northern countryside has succeeded in graduating a class of teachers to work in schools to cover for the losses the education sector suffered because of the shelling. Syria
Why Palestinians have lost faith in Iran A recent survey showed that the majority of Palestinians are opposed to Iran and its policies in the region despite Tehran's support for the Palestinian cause. Palestine
