Iran’s Rouhani shifts strategy in presidential race Iran’s moderate president, Hassan Rouhani, has changed his tactics, attacking his conservative rivals who are determined to unseat him. Iran
Turkey, Israel in verbal spat over Jerusalem Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s comments on Jerusalem and the Israel-Palestine conflict have cast dark clouds over Turkish-Israeli relations. Israel
Does Israel really need the Nationality Law? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu advances the discriminating Nationality Law in order to garner wide political support. Israel
What's behind curious gold traffic between Turkey and UAE? Gold of almost similar worth has been traded between Turkey and the United Arab Emirates in the first quarter of the year, raising suspicion that some dubious transactions may be underway. United Arab Emirates
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