Anger in Ankara over Iraqi Kurdish independence moves Given its close ties with the Kurdistan Regional Government, which it needs for economic, political and security interests, Turkey’s objections to Iraqi Kurdish plans remain low key, but a crisis between the sides may nevertheless be looming. By Semih Idiz
Turkish candy giant gets not-so-sweet reaction to April Fools' Day ad Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s supporters detected hidden message for a new military coup in a TV ad by Ulker, Turkey’s biggest chocolate company. By Mustafa Akyol
Why Iran-Iraq War is still minefield for artists Some 30 years on, depictions of the Iran-Iraq War are still a minefield for Iranian artists and authors. By Zahra Alipour
Iranian media reacts to Russia subway bombing Iranian media outlets speculate that IS and other militant groups are taking revenge on Russia following their defeats in Iraq and Syria. By Rohollah Faghihi
'Inhuman' chemical attack tests Turkey's relations with Russia An apparent chemical attack has ravaged a small rebel-held Syrian town and Turkey has found itself in the middle of the aftermath, torn between supporting anti-Assad rebels and its need to ally with Russia. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Palestinian teachers seize golden opportunity in Kuwait Kuwait’s call to hire Palestinian teachers in its schools lifted the hopes of 1,173 Palestinians who are seeking an opportunity to secure decent pay for the future. By Huda Baroud
How Palestine is working to stop antiquities theft Thousands of artifacts that were smuggled outside the Palestinian territories have been seized in the past years as part of the Palestinian government’s efforts to put a stop to illegal excavations and antiquities trade. By Aziza Nofal
Agreement averts financial crisis at Gaza's Al-Aqsa University The ministries of education in Gaza and the West Bank reached an agreement to end the standoff at Al-Aqsa University over administrative appointments, which had put the education of thousands of students in jeopardy. By Ahmad Abu Amer
How this mentoring program is empowering young Arab women The Big Sister/Little Sister guidance program launched in the Gaza Strip and Beirut helps young girls talk about social issues and empowers them to overcome harsh societal challenges in their lives. By Amjad Yaghi
What's behind Kurdish organizations being shut down in Syria? The democratic self-rule administration in northern Syria closed the offices of dozens of unlicensed organizations in a move deemed to have political motivations. By Sardar Mullah Darwish
Rift between right, left in Israel reaches new heights A new study shows that 22.5% of Israeli Jews consider the political left to be "dangerous." By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Dismissed Fatah leader rules out reconciliation with Abbas In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Mohammed Dahlan confirmed that reconciliation efforts with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are currently stalled and warned that Abbas' internal weakness would reflect the fragility of his political position vis-a-vis the Israelis. By Adnan Abu Amer
Can Turkey afford new battlefront in Iraq? Turkey has labeled Operation Euphrates Shield a "success" and put it to bed, leaving observers to wonder about the Turkish military's next ambitions. By Metin Gurcan
Does BDS ban hurt Israel? Jewish organizations in the United States are criticizing the Knesset for banning the entry of those who express support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. By Akiva Eldar
Was Rouhani’s visit to Russia actually successful? Although Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's visit to Moscow resulted in his signing numerous cooperation agreements, the main purpose may have been less about substance and more about show. By Julia Sveshnikova
Trump welcomes Egypt’s Sisi 'as is' US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi seem to hit it off at the White House, but will Trump come through on the funding Sisi wants? By Laura Rozen