Iranian judiciary chief attacks Rouhani over promise to free opposition leaders Iran’s judiciary chief attacks the president over his campaign promise to free the leaders of the Green Movement. Iran
Iran blames Turkey for PKK-affiliate clash on border An Iranian Kurdish militia's attack on Iranian border guards has further muddled the often contradictory actions of Turkey, Iran and their respective proxies and enemies who occasionally double up as both. Turkey
In wake of Trump visit, Saudi-led Sunni bloc already splintering Less than two weeks after Trump's summit in Saudi Arabia, "Arab NATO" is showing signs of division due to fears of widening the regional political divide and doubts over Washington's reliability. Saudi Arabia
Defying Erdogan’s calls, Turks rush for dollars A significant amount of loan money, released as incentives for the Turkish business community, appears to have ended up in high-yield bank deposits and foreign currency, reflecting widespread mistrust in the future of the Turkish economy. Turkey
Residents of Iraqi Kurdistan stock up on spirits as Ramadan kicks off Due to the Kurdish region's policy of closing liquor shops during the fasting month of Ramadan, the prices of alcohol on the black market go up, raising the question, especially by Christians, why they have to be penalized by a secular government. Iraq
Israeli-Palestinian coordination ends prisoners’ strike Coordination of positions between Israel and the team of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas brought about the end of the prisoners’ hunger strike. Palestine
Trump risks repeating Obama's Mideast mistakes Like his predecessors, President Donald Trump is about to discover that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes the only possible deal to end the conflict with the Palestinians. Palestine
Future uncertain as jihadis begin to leave Damascus' Yarmouk camp Fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former al-Qaeda affiliate, are leaving Syria’s largest Palestinian refugee camp as per a deal with the regime, although the residents do not seem so enthusiastic. Palestine
Egyptians seek psychological support online In light of exacerbating social and economic pressure, Egyptians are seeking psychotherapy online, but what are the pros and cons of this online service? Egypt
Trump makes no promises during Bethlehem whistle-stop US President Donald Trump hit most of the right notes on his visit to Palestine, but what Palestinians need from a peace process is likely not on Trump’s agenda. Palestine
Delivering $1 billion aid to Yemen faces difficulties More than $1 billion in humanitarian aid has been pledged by international partners for Yemen, but whether it can be delivered is a separate issue. Yemen
Palestinian traders forced to retreat from Cairo market In the most crowded part of Egypt’s popular markets, in the center of Cairo, mainly clothing is sold at the "Gaza Market," but the Palestinian traders have made way for their Egyptian counterparts. Palestine
Gaza to see forced military retirement in June The Palestinian Authority will begin forcing about half of its military staff in the Gaza Strip to retire in a move it hopes will ease its financial crisis and put pressure on Hamas, despite fears that the move is likely to make both situations worse. Palestine
Iraqi forces advance from north ahead of ‘extremely violent’ fight As the Iraqi joint forces launched an operation to capture the last Islamic State-held enclave in Mosul, the fight is getting harder and putting civilians at risk. Iraq
Trump visits Saudi Arabia, Kremlin shrugs Russia may be keeping quiet publicly about Donald Trump’s relations with Saudi Arabia, but Trump’s recent trip to the kingdom raises some interesting questions for Moscow. Saudi Arabia
'The Ottoman Lieutenant' loses box office war “The Ottoman Lieutenant,” the first Hollywood production to reflect Turkey’s perspective on the Armenian genocide, has been criticized both for its outlook and its artistic merit. Turkey
