Iran's conservative presidential candidates pledge more cash handouts, jobs Presidential candidates Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Ebrahim Raisi focus on the economy and make pledges to create jobs to attract votes. Iran
Iran polling: Will vote see Rouhani-Ghalibaf rematch? Polls suggest incumbent Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will get a strong challenge from Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, but can cleric Ebrahim Raisi close the gap? Iran
Can Erdogan juggle Trump and Putin at the same time? Erdogan’s expectations from the United States and Russia are high, but his hopes may be misplaced again. Syria
Who in Israel decides who must enlist in the army? Israel allows Orthodox men and women to avoid IDF drafting, but imprisons conscientious objectors who refuse to enlist in the occupation army. Palestine
Will Lebanon finally pass a budget after more than a decade? Although Lebanon’s Cabinet approved a proposed 2017 state budget, the legislation still has to overcome several obstacles in parliament. Lebanon
How Israel’s president is shifting his country’s worldview Israeli President Reuven Rivlin objects to the worldview where all threats to Israel are considered through the prism of the Holocaust, as preached by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
Abbas versus Barghouti, Round 2 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is furious at Fatah activists who called for a Day of Rage five days before he is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump. Palestine
Will Iraqi government-PMU disputes spiral into armed clashes? With the Islamic State nearly defeated in Iraqi cities, disputes between PMU-affiliated Shiite factions and the Iraqi government have surfaced, threatening future military clashes between them. Qatar
Egypt's Islamist parties are all about marriage, not politics for women The meetings organized by the Nour Party for its female members discussing marital issues have raised controversy as to the role of female politicians in the Egyptian political scene. Egypt
Syrian refugee artists in Jordan add color to the desert Syrian artists who found refuge in Jordan are painting the container homes at the Zaatari camp in the hope of lifting the spirits of camp residents. Jordan
Syrian regime faces tough resistance from rebels in Aleppo’s outskirts The Syrian regime forces are attempting to gain ground in Aleppo’s outskirts to fend off any threat the opposition could pose on Aleppo city. Syria
Glory days for Cairo's hammams have returned High beauty care prices have driven Egyptian women to traditional bathhouses not only for personal hygiene but also for rest and relaxation at an affordable price. Egypt
Russia, Turkey to talk tariffs It looks like Ankara’s retaliatory tariffs on Russian wheat will bring the two parties together in another attempt to compromise on sanctions and import taxes. Turkey
Congress-mandated panel accused of whitewashing Israeli discrimination against Christians The US Commission on International Religious Freedom is under fire from one of its own. Israel
Why region should prepare for long Saudi-Iranian confrontation Despite the efforts of smaller players such as Kuwait and Oman to defuse tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, there is little on the horizon suggesting an end to Riyadh’s determination to directly confront Tehran. Gulf
Is conservative Iranian candidate reviving Ahmadinejad’s Cabinet? Ebrahim Raisi is increasingly leaning on officials from former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s presidency. Iran
