Three deaths that will likely set back Rouhani Having lost three of his main supporters among the clergy in the past year, Iran’s president faces an even harder battle for a second term. Iran
Could an offshore seaport be Gaza's salvation? Israeli Transportation and Intelligence Minister Israel Katz continues to promote his idea of an artificial island and port off the Gaza coast and recently pitched it to President Donald Trump’s envoy. Palestine
Is freedom of expression on the rise in Saudi Arabia? The decision to list 5% of Saudi Aramco’s shares has raised wide criticism from the Saudi public while sheding light on the issue of freedom of expression and disapproval in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Why was deal to evacuate Syrian towns brokered by Qatar and Iran? A deal brokered by Qatar and Iran that ignores Turkey and Russia — the largest respective sponsors of the opposition and the regime in Syria — threatens to derail broader peace talks aimed at ending the tragic civil war. Qatar
Proof of poison gas in Syria massacre could reshape war Now that autopsies have revealed evidence that chemical weapons were used in the attack in Idlib, calls are louder than ever for action against the Syrian regime and the United States could well respond with force. Syria
Why did Erdogan sign emergency decree on laser hair removal? In a last ditch effort to mobilize the "yes" vote for the April 16 referendum, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan resorts to unconventional methods, shocking Islamists and seculars in Turkey. Turkey
Egypt to develop major Cairo slum despite concerns of residents Residents of Cairo's Maspero Triangle neighborhood are being asked to vacate their homes to make way for a new development project. Egypt
Interview PKK leader: International mediation needed on Kurdish issue In an exclusive interview, Al-Monitor met Cemil Bayik, one of the main leaders of the Kurdistan Workers Party, in northern Iraq's Qandil Mountains to talk about the current dispute between the Kurds and Turkey and its impact on Iraq. Cemil Bayik Founder of the PKK
Trump's envoy pushing two-state solution as Abbas' US visit nears US President Donald Trump's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been vague so far, but initial signs indicate that an attempt at an Israeli-Palestinian deal is not out of the question. Palestine
Jerusalem's Old City braces for massive Easter crowds The Old City of Jerusalem is expected to be extremely crowded this year as all the churches will celebrate Easter on the same schedule, renovations have attracted a higher pilgrim turnout and Passover visitors will add to the throngs. Israel
Why not all in Iran celebrate the Iranian New Year While Nowruz is a relaxing 13-day holiday for most Iranians, the high number of road fatalities makes Nowruz also a time of sadness for many. Iran
Rouhani government criticizes IRGC arrests of journalists Members of President Hassan Rouhani's Cabinet have voiced criticism over the arrests of journalists and activists. Iran
How Palestinians plan to overcome electricty shortages The Palestinian government is establishing a "new electricity market" that will draw power from various sources but will be supervised by a government-owned company. Palestine
Operation seduction: Lapid captures Israel’s mainstream support Contrary to opposition leader Isaac Herzog, Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid has chosen to stay stately and not to attack Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally. Israel
Female plumbers in Jordan clear path for women in labor market Women in Jordan are trying to break the social barrier between women and the professions that men have monopolized with the first all-women Jordanian plumbing company leading the way. Jordan
How Israel's culture minister threatens national film industry, democracy Culture Minister Miri Regev is examining state funding of Israeli films with the intention of withholding support to productions she considers anti-Israeli. Palestine
