Egypt's alcohol bans keep stirring controversy A ban on alcohol during an Islamic holiday has revived debate over the effectiveness and fairness of government attempts to regulate such spirits. Egypt
Trump budget slashes Middle East aid The State Department is seeking deep cuts to military and economic assistance for Arab states. Bahrain
Empowering Egyptian women by turning homes into factories A personal tragedy led Gamal Talaat to start a project that boosts the economic power of women and keeps the Egyptian handicrafts industry alive. Egypt
What’s on Rouhani’s second-term economic agenda? While President Hassan Rouhani’s economic agenda features strong commitment to the building blocks of sustainable development, there are significant challenges ahead. Iran
Iran's conservatives question election results Iranian conservatives appear unwilling to accept the landslide re-election of moderate President Hassan Rouhani. Iran
New voices join Washington clamor over beatdown by Erdogan guards More US lawmakers are calling for action against the Turkish president's security detail after it beat up protesters in Washington, while the Turkish Foreign Ministry complains of what it calls "aggressive" conduct by "US security personnel." Turkey
Turkey's AKP manages to fend off economic crisis, but at what price? The Turkish government has succeeded in fending off a full-blown economic crisis, but its measures have made the economy less resilient against future contractions. Turkey
Can US-Sunni alliance lure Baghdad away from Tehran? With US support, Sunni Arab countries in the Gulf hope to bring Iraq into their fold and away from Iran's powerful grasp. Saudi Arabia
To pressure Hamas, PA now sticking it to the sick The health of thousands of sick Palestinians in Gaza is in jeopardy as the Palestinian Authority cuts off medical supplies. Palestine
Riyadh, not Trump, holds key to Israel-Palestinian peace A peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians could be born only out of direct negotiations between Israel and pragmatic Arab leaders, not out of a deal proposed by US President Donald Trump. Gulf
Modern architecture meets tradition in Palestine's first planned city The Palestinian city of Rawabi, which combines modernity with Palestinian heritage, hopes to attract tourists from around the world. Palestine
Trump goes on Iran-bashing tour Iran has replaced the Islamic State as Donald Trump’s boogeyman during his first trip abroad, to the delight of the Saudis and Israel. Saudi Arabia
Is Moscow a likely matchmaker between Israelis, Palestinians? Russia continues to step up its diplomatic game in the Middle East by reinforcing ties with Israelis and Palestinians and allowing its stances to evolve. Palestine
Egypt may impose hefty fines on tourist harassers A draft law that would impose fines on vendors who harass tourists in Egypt also hopes to curtail the sexual harassment of visitors to the country. Egypt
Rouhani hints at talks with US to lift non-nuclear sanctions In his first press conference after being re-elected, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani hinted at the possibility of broader talks with the United States to have the non-nuclear sanctions lifted. Iran
7 perils of Trump's attempt to isolate Iran President Donald Trump’s alignment of US foreign policy with that of Saudi Arabia will only serve to exacerbate tension and confrontation in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
