Who wanted Iran’s presidential debates to be prerecorded? Iran has held the first of three rounds of televised presidential debates ahead of the May 19 vote — but not without controversy about whether they should be aired live. Iran
Is Pope Francis' Egypt visit new beginning for Vatican-Azhar ties? With the visit of Pope Francis to Cairo on April 28-29, ties between the Vatican and Al-Azhar have been strengthened, putting interfaith dialogue high on the agenda of the Christian and Muslim representatives. Egypt
Will al-Qaeda and IS unite? Several reports indicate that an alliance between al-Qaeda and the Islamic State may take place in Iraq after the liberation of Mosul. Iraq
Three reasons Turkey bombed Syria and Iraq Turkish government officials provided Al-Monitor rare insight into Turkey's mindset, explaining the reasoning behind the controversial attacks on Syrian Kurdish fighters. Syria
