Odds appear stacked against success of Erdogan-Trump meeting Erdogan’s advisers are among those predicting his mission in Washington will fail. Turkey
Sinjar on brink of major conflict between PKK, Turkey The city of Sinjar, west of Mosul, seems close to becoming a battleground for armed confrontations between the PKK and the Turkish army, especially after Ankara called for ground intervention against PKK fighters in Sinjar to prevent them from having a new base in the north of Iraq. Iraq
How far can Egypt's prank TV shows go? Egyptian parliamentarian Galal Awara has called on the concerned bodies to stop TV prank shows, especially in the run-up to Ramadan. Egypt
Hamas’ new policy document brings the group closer to Egypt In the new policy document, the Hamas movement announced its dissociation from the Muslim Brotherhood, which may improve ties with the Egyptian state that have been rocky after the ouster of President Mohammed Morsi. Palestine
What's keeping Syria’s Palestinian refugees from returning to camps? The Palestinian refugees in Syria are still waiting for the green light to go back to their camps following a wave of displacement that resulted from clashes between the Syrian regime and gunmen. Palestine
Turkish fest takes Roma culture upmarket, but Roma still down Roma music and dancing dominate the Hidirellez festivities that usher in spring in Turkey, but the country’s 4 million-strong Roma population finds little to celebrate in their daily living conditions. Turkey
Is Egypt's Gamaa Islamiya returning to political life? Gamaa Islamiya’s political wing publicly launched its elections last month with the consent of Egypt's security apparatus, which raises questions about the return of the Islamist group to the political scene. Egypt
Why UNESCO's 'Jerusalem resolution' is a win for Netanyahu The May 2 resolution by UNESCO’s executive committee criticizing archaeological digging in east Jerusalem plays into the hands of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who portrays UNESCO and the international community as enemies of the Israelis. Palestine
Financial tech gaining steam in Iran In addition to trying to lure foreign investors, Iranian authorities hope to boost the country’s struggling finance sector by jumpstarting the country’s fledgling fintech industry. Iran
Libyan rivals descend on Washington The war-wracked country’s competing factions are fighting for Donald Trump’s ear. Libya
How some Egyptian youths are addressing food insecurity Egyptian students launch an initiative that allows poor citizens to buy sandwiches with the money left by paying customers. Egypt
Lebanon's budding hashish business brings high returns Cannabis production in Lebanon has soared by more than 30% since 2012, when spillover from the war in Syria led security forces to focus on deadlier threats like car bombs and Islamic militants. Lebanon
High-profile resignation rocks Turkey’s secular opposition CHP Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party is facing a shakeup as its popular deputy chair resigns over party’s inability to effectively respond to impending new political regime. Turkey
Can Syrian refugees become boon to Turkey's economy? The labor shortage in some of Turkey’s economic sectors — especially manufacturing, agriculture, and child and elder care — can offer employment opportunities for tens of thousands of Syrian refugees who are unlikely to return home. Turkey
Khamenei increases pressure on Rouhani ahead of elections Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's criticism of a UNESCO program promoting gender equality is seen as an attack on President Hassan Rouhani. Iran
Rouhani’s rivals are making pledges Iran cannot afford While incumbent Hassan Rouhani’s main challengers in the Iranian presidential race are making grand pledges of bigger cash handouts and more jobs, there is little to suggest that the promises can be realized. Iran
