Will Rouhani be able to weather jobs crisis? Despite a drastic cut in its "misery index" and the signing of the nuclear deal, Iran remains plagued by stubborn joblessness. Iran
Where does Hamas' policy document leave Islamic Jihad? Despite strong bilateral ties, differences over the new policy document emerged between Hamas and Islamic Jihad, raising questions on the future of their relations. Qatar
Pope Francis' Egypt visit could spark Sunni-Shiite dialogue Following Pope Francis’ visit to Egypt and his meetings with Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb and Pope Tawadros II, calls for Sunni-Shiite dialogue have been revived. Egypt
What's behind Abbas' recent threats to Hamas? Following his first meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced his intention to take unprecedented measures against Hamas, raising questions about the timing of such threats. Palestine
Police officers become victims of torture in Turkey The families of several Turkish police officers, rounded up as part of the crackdown on the Gulen community, have sought help from human rights activists in a rare example of willingness to speak out on torture allegations that have been rife since the coup attempt last year. Turkey
Netanyahu trapped between Trump, Israeli right wing US President Donald Trump would like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s assistance in tabling the issue of moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem, but Netanyahu fears the reaction of his right-wing coalition partners. Palestine
Gazans say Israel on wrong track with reported railway plans Israel has announced it will establish a railway into the Gaza Strip in what Palestinians suspect is only a bid to bolster its image. Palestine
Hamas policy shift deepens internal rift Senior Hamas official Mahmoud al-Zahar's objection to recognizing Israel's 1967 borders as the basis for the creation of a future Palestinian state puts him at odds with the movement's new leadership. Palestine
Statues and words tell story of Syrian women's plight In Beirut’s Zico House, an exhibition organized by the Syrian Female Journalists Network of clay female figurines accompanies the launch of a book about the lives of Syrian women. Lebanon
Iraq's Hatra retaken from IS militants, but still vulnerable The liberation of the ancient city of Hatra from the Islamic State is only a small first step toward protecting its ancient treasures. Iraq
Did Rouhani sell 'grand bargain' with US to Iranian voters? At a campaign rally, President Hassan Rouhani said Iranian officials are ready to negotiate with the United States on non-nuclear issues. United States
US may waive Iran sanctions in coming days The Trump administration could issue waivers of some Iran nuclear sanctions the week of May 15 as it adheres to the nuclear deal for now while conducting a review of its Iran policy. United States
Setting low bar for Trump-Erdogan meeting With US-Turkey relations in crisis, the meeting of the US and Turkish presidents will be about appearances over substance; Saudis will press Trump on Iran; storm clouds over Sinjar; Hamas clamps down on journalists. Saudi Arabia
Egyptian band breathes life into Pharaonic music An unprecedented project on the revival of ancient Egyptian music reconstructs ancient musical instruments to sing melodies inspired by inscriptions painted on temple walls. Egypt
Struggle over Iran’s largest private university heats up The clash over the future of Islamic Azad University, perhaps the biggest legacy of the late Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, heats up in Iran. Iran
Anxiety high among Israeli right as Trump visit nears The Israeli right is apprehensive about President Donald Trump's upcoming visit as he continues to proclaim his determination to make a deal ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestine
