How are Iraq's Yazidis faring amid Kurds' confrontations? Turkey’s bombing of Yazidis' Sinjar homeland deepened the argument between the Kurdish Democratic Party and the Kurdistan Workers Party. Iraq
Can Ankara ever balance its policy in Syria? Turkey, Iran and Russia sign an agreement to establish safe zones in Syria, but the United States voices its concerns. Syria
Will Egypt play a role in Iraqi settlement? The visit of Ammar al-Hakim, the head of the ruling Shiite Iraqi National Alliance, to Egypt could be an opportunity for Cairo to assume a mediator role to reach a political settlement and active role in the post-IS era in Iraq. Egypt
Bennett: We must tell Trump the 'truth' about peace process In an interview with Al-Monitor, HaBayit HaYehudi leader Naftali Bennett says that "the age of maneuvering is over" as the Israeli government must be honest with US President Donald Trump about the reality of creating a Palestinian state. Palestine
Could Hamas' pragmatic new leader finally reconcile with Fatah? Contrary to former Hamas political chief Khaled Meshaal, newly elected Ismail Haniyeh is perceived as more intimately connected to the Gaza Strip and its suffering and may stand a better chance of unifying Palestinians. Palestine
What to expect from Hamas' newly elected leader Several challenges await Ismail Haniyeh as he steps in as Hamas’ new leader, most importantly reconciliation with Fatah and fixing ties with regional players Egypt and Iran. Palestine
Why Abbas asked Israel to cut power to Gaza The Palestinian Authority has asked Israel to stop providing funding for Gaza's electricity as part of President Mahmoud Abbas’ efforts to pressure Hamas into ceding power. Palestine
Nuclear deal in focus in second Iranian presidential debate The second Iranian presidential debate sees candidates trade barbs on the nuclear deal. Iran
Trump goes to Riyadh US President Donald Trump may want to learn lessons from previous presidential encounters with Saudi kings if he wants his trip to visit King Salman to be a success. Gulf
Putin changes conversation on Syria with cease-fire plan Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says the de-escalation zones are linked to US safe zone discussions. Syria
Will Libya devalue its dinar? In Libya, devaluing the dinar is not about creating jobs, but stabilizing public finances, preserving foreign currency reserves and solving the ongoing liquidity crisis. Libya
Syria to get civilian safe zones Cease-fire mediators have agreed to establish and enforce areas free from fighting in Syria. Syria
Will bigger cash handouts land conservatives Iranian presidency? Iranian conservative presidential candidates continue their strategy of making promises focused on increasing monthly cash subsidy payments and creating millions of jobs. Iran
4 reasons Rouhani is winning Iran's foreign policy debate As in the 2013 presidential polls, foreign policy has increasingly become a key component of Iran's presidential elections. Iran
The real reason behind Turkey’s skyrocketing welfare spending The number of people entitled to social welfare assistance has reached 15.5 million in Turkey, raising questions on what lies behind the government’s generosity. Turkey
Ultra-Orthodox threaten Netanyahu’s coalition over Sabbath crisis Contrary to past Sabbath crises, this time Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is refusing to cede to ultra-Orthodox demands. Israel
