How Abbas is prepping for expected surge in nationalist sentiment Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is pinning his hopes on Egyptian and Jordanian pressure on the Trump administration to engage in a two-state solution process within a regional framework. Palestine
Ancient Egyptian martial art enters modern world, opens to women As the first Egyptian woman certified to teach and compete in the discipline of tahteeb, Rania Medhat is training others in the ancient Egyptian sport. Egypt
Why some Reformists may not support Rouhani's re-election While Iran's Reformists announced they are supporting President Hassan Rouhani in the election, some activists are asking for transparency in the decision-making process. Iran
Mattis' Mideast trip holds promise, reality check for Israel The US defense secretary's visit to Israel is expected to strengthen an already solid relationship while making sure both parties are on the same page. Egypt
Can Iran stop Iraqi Kurdistan independence? Iraqi Kurdish political forces have recently increased their calls for a referendum on Kurdish independence, but Iran may try to prevent this from happening. Iraq
West Bank to get 3G mobile service The Palestinian Ministry of Telecom and Information Technology signed a final agreement with Israel earlier this month allowing Palestinian companies to provide 3G mobile services in the West Bank. Palestine
Palestinian pound to start circulating in West Bank schools The Palestinian Education Ministry launched an initiative to issue Palestinian pounds to be used in schools, in an attempt to introduce students to their national currency, which has been off the market since the end of the British Mandate in 1948. Palestine
Syrian rebel group just trying to get home Jaish Usud al-Sharqiya, an internationally backed armed opposition group active in southern Syria, has made significant gains recently against the Islamic State in the south, but they eventually want to return to Deir ez-Zor. Syria
Another Hamas leader added to US terror list Ahmed Ghandour recently became the fifth Hamas leader to be added to the US State Department's terrorist list in a continuation of a long-established US policy being enforced by the Trump administration. Palestine
Where is Israel's place in US-Russia struggle? Israel has a golden opportunity to cement a global anti-jihad alliance with the United States and pragmatic Sunni states as Russia continues to side with Iran. Palestine
Nuclear deal critics silent as Trump says Iran complying Lawmakers who once insisted Iran was cheating aren’t taking the administration to task for saying otherwise. United States
Is Trump learning to live with Iran nuclear deal? In certifying that Iran is complying with the nuclear deal, the Trump administration appears to be discovering the merits of the accord. United States
Raisi slams Iran state TV for coverage 'biased' toward Rouhani Conservative presidential candidate Ebrahim Raisi has attacked the Iranian state broadcaster for excessively covering President Hassan Rouhani’s speeches. Iran
How does Muslim world view Erdogan's referendum win? Turkey's referendum, which gave rise to fresh debate with the West, is also likely to affect Turkey's relations with the East, especially the Middle East. Turkey
Erdogan charts victory lap in Washington Even as controversy rages in Turkey, newly empowered President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seems to already be gaining international legitimacy and is making plans to visit Washington for formal talks. Syria
What’s next for Turkey’s economy under 'new system'? Turkey’s new governance model, narrowly approved by a disputed referendum, adds more uncertainty to the country’s continued economic downturn. Turkey
