How confronting Germany bolsters Netanyahu’s status Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has no limits in his battle for personal popularity; he attacks anti-occupation groups, foreign friendly leaders and even the State Comptroller. Israel
Is lack of direction from Trump hampering Congress on Iran? Democrats complain they have no idea what the president thinks of Congress' sanctions proposals. Congress
Egyptian government resists attempts to end torture The longtime struggle by human rights groups to stop torture at the hands of the Egyptian security services shows no signs of improvement. Egypt
Is Putin interfering in Iran’s presidential elections? Conservative presidential candidate Ebrahim Raisi’s meeting with a visiting Russian official has raised debate on Moscow’s potential interference in Iran’s May 19 vote. Russia
Is Turkey trying to disrupt Raqqa operation? In the lead-up to President Erdogan's Washington visit next month, Turkey's recent air attacks in Syria and Iraq might be a message that Turkey intends to play a more involved role in those countries. Iraq
YPG, Turkish forces exchange fire on Syrian border The diplomatic fallout from Turkey’s deadly airstrikes against Kurdish militants is growing as Turkey reacts angrily to US rebukes. Syria
Why did over 1,600 Iranians sign up to run for president? Over 1,600 Iranians showed up at the Interior Ministry to register to run in the May 19 presidential election, fully aware that the Guardian Council will block their running. Iran
Egypt hopes gold city will revive industry, lure investments Egypt is hoping to cash in on its rich resources and become Africa’s only gateway where manufacturers can trade in and export gold. Egypt
How North Korea nuke crisis affects Israel Israeli intelligence believes that North Korea, Syria and Iran are collaborating on the development of missile systems and nuclear programs. Israel
Egypt's multi-cultural festival dances to beat of one drum Egypt embraces international cultures and showcases its unique heritage in the 5th annual International Festival for Drums and Traditional Arts. Egypt
Sunnis fear spread of Shiite influence in Samarra Residents and political representatives in the predominantly Sunni city of Samarra take issue with what they see as increased Shiite influence in the city. Iraq
Did Netanyahu's ultimatum to German foreign minister pay off? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel of provocation by meeting with anti-occupation organizations during a visit to Israel. Israel
Is Hamas-Fatah reconciliation finally on track? Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has presented his vision to end the split between Fatah and Hamas and have the consensus government take control in Gaza, threatening to take "unprecedented" action if Hamas rejects his demands. Palestine
Egypt ripped at Senate foreign aid hearing Senators urged to rethink $1.5 billion annual US aid package to Egypt as the country fails to progress in human rights. Egypt
Turkey faces scrutiny after Erdogan's 'win' The Council of Europe’s decision to resume monitoring procedures against Turkey indicates the West's resolve not to validate Ankara's referendum results. Turkey
Kurds call on US to set up no-fly zone after Turkish attacks Expect US-Turkey tensions to rise after the Turkish air force attacked Kurdish militants in Iraq’s Sinjar region and northeastern Syria just as the US-led coalition presses its offensive against IS in Raqqa. Syria
