Why Israel’s finance minister went behind Netanyahu's back Israeli Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon published his family subsidies package without first informing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
Are secularists, Islamists headed for confrontation in Iraq? Following an attack against the Communist Party in southern Iraq, tensions escalated between Islamist forces and civil and secular parties. Iraq
Why Israel will warmly welcome Mattis Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman and Secretary of Defense James Mattis are expected to discuss the threat of Iran's presence in Syria at a time when Israel is pleased with the United States' involvement in the region. Israel
3 reasons why partitioning Libya is a bad idea While the Trump administration so far has failed to present a well-defined policy on Libya, the administration seems to be sending mixed signals. Libya
Yemen’s cultural capital Taiz torn by conflict The city of Taiz, Yemen’s third largest, is living under tragedy as a result of the two-year war. Gulf
Under Turkey's watch, al-Bab tries to rebuild The Turkish government is working on rehabilitating the Syrian city of al-Bab after the Islamic State’s withdrawal, considering it an arrangement that benefits both sides. Syria
Egypt contemplates doing away with printed textbooks A proposal to end the production of free textbooks and make better versions available in an electronic format poses a threat to the state-owned publishing houses that rely on this work. Egypt
Why Palestinian hunger strike may be destined to fail Many Palestinian prisoners in Israel have hesitated to join the hunger strike championed by Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti because they doubt Barghouti is motivated by concern for their welfare. Palestine
Calls for referendum annulment rise in Turkey Turkey's electoral board is being inundated with annulment petitions from political opposition and citizens alike as allegations of cheating and intimidation continue in the aftermath of the country's vote to grant its president sweeping new powers. Turkey
Where does referendum leave Turkey's ties with West? Experts expect more trouble between Turkey and the United States and Europe in the coming period, but will it lead to a complete breakdown in ties? Turkey
Will Jordan confront IS in southern Syria? Some analysts say that recent movements and activities by the Islamic State near the Jordanian border could push Jordan to intervene militarily in southern Syria. Jordan
FSA sees 'golden opportunity' with end of Turkey's operations in Syria The Free Syrian Army is conducting intense training in Aleppo’s countryside in preparation for future battles now that Turkey has announced the end of its operation in Syria. Syria
Is tripartite alliance emerging between US, Egypt and Jordan? The consecutive meetings between Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Jordan's King Abdullah and US President Donald Trump prompted some to speculate that a three-way alliance was forming between the United States, Egypt and Jordan. Egypt
Why Iran won’t ditch the dollar soon Although Iran has long touted plans to wholly abandon the US dollar, economic realities appear to be forcing Tehran to delay such a move. United States
Libya art exhibit paints bleak picture of post-Arab Spring society At an art exhibit in Tripoli, artists displayed haunting works related to their personal experiences in the post-revolution conflicts in Libya and the entire region. Libya
PA faces backlash after slashing Gaza salaries The Palestinian Authority's move to cut a chunk out of its Gaza employees’ salaries is being met with anger amid concerns that the real motive behind the decision is more political than financial. Palestine
