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. By Rasha Abou Jalal In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
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. By Khaled al-Khateb
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. By Adnan Abu Amer
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. By Rohollah Faghihi
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. By Shlomi Eldar
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. By Fahd al-Otaibi
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. By Anton Mardasov
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. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
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. By Pinar Tremblay
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. By Menna A. Farouk
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. By Kamal Chomani
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. By Uri Savir
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. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
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. By Saeid Jafari
Rouhani government criticizes IRGC arrests of journalists Members of President Hassan Rouhani's Cabinet have voiced criticism over the arrests of journalists and activists. By Arash Karami
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. By Ahmad Melhem In Ramallah, reporting on politics