Egypt-Saudi ties could be key to Trump’s Mideast 'ultimate deal' Egypt's disputed transfer of the Tiran and Sanafir islands to Saudi Arabia may be one part of an overall peace deal involving Israel. Saudi Arabia
Israeli right convinced Netanyahu will soon swerve left The Israeli right-wing camp suspects that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already closed a deal with President Donald Trump over talks with the Palestinians. Palestine
Egypt's Al-Azhar looks to 'cafe preachers' to spread its message Egypt's most influential religious institution hopes to gain a wider audience and counter radical ideas by sending preachers to the coffee shops. Egypt
Iran follows Russia’s lead in backing Syria safe zones Russia’s proposal legitimates Iranian military role in Syria; supreme leader hails victory for "Islamic democracy"; Turkish intervention in Sinjar could disrupt Mosul liberation plans; Egypt’s media crackdown. Egypt
20th-century Libyan jihadism's role in Manchester attack Suicide bomber Salman Abedi’s multiple trips back and forth to Libya, where his family is widely associated with the Salafi jihadi movement, provided ample opportunity for advanced training to execute the massacre in Manchester. Libya
Turkey making itself at home in Syria Turkey is looking less like a visitor in northern Syria as it sets up more permanent facilities and resettles Turkmens in certain areas. Syria
Iran's housing crisis aggravated by reluctant sellers Iran's housing sector, once an engine of the Iranian economy, is unlikely to exit recession anytime soon, in part due to homeowners refusing to sell at a loss. Iran
Iran questions US pivot back to region as Europe embraces Rouhani While the United States is increasingly engaged in a war of words with Iran, the bigger story may be the impact Washington’s more hawkish line may have on Europe’s approach toward Tehran and the consequences of a suggested US pivot back to the Middle East not materializing. Saudi Arabia
Civic groups press to revive Kurdish peace efforts in Turkey After much bloodshed and destruction, a fledgling civic initiative in Turkey is seeking to bring Turks and Kurds closer to open the way for a fresh settlement effort to end the decadeslong Kurdish conflict. Turkey
Saudis hope to halt extremism with ‘terrorist rehab’ Saudis seek to modify the thoughts and behaviors of former members of terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda and the Islamic State via rehabilitation programs, but some worry it isn't working. Saudi Arabia
Iraq fears famed marshes could be pulled from World Heritage List Amid serious concern about the violations against Iraq’s marshes, it is possible the marshes will be removed from the World Heritage List. Iraq
US mulls how best to control pro-Iran factions in Mideast The United States and the Gulf states seem to agree that Tehran and its allies need to be contained to keep Iran from aggressively expanding once the Islamic State is driven out of the region. Iraq
Turkish mothers take up civil disobedience Anyone who dares protest Erdogan is branded a dangerous terrorist and subjected to cruel and unusual punishment, even elderly mothers. Turkey
Israeli lawmaker's selfie with Trump draws scorn Knesset member Oren Hazan's selfie with President Donald Trump highlights the increasingly offensive behavior of Israel's elected officials. Israel
Egypt's journalists decry attack on free speech as 21 websites banned Egyptian authorities have banned 21 news websites, including a prominent independent site, claiming they promote terrorism and "spread lies." Egypt
Egypt hopes new residency-for-deposits system will boost investments Kamal Amer, the head of the Egyptian parliament's National Defense and Security Committee speaks to Al-Monitor about the residency-for-deposits system in Egypt and explains Egypt’s official stance toward the Red Sea islands of Tiran and Sanafir. Saudi Arabia
