Erdogan looks to strengthen grip with return to AKP helm Now that Turkey's ruling party has restored President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as chair, expect a radical shakeup throughout the country in preparation for critical municipal elections to be held in March 2019. Turkey
Can Syrians sway future elections in Turkey? Close to 2 million Syrians will obtain the right to seek citizenship in Turkey in 2019, a prospect that may have decisive repercussions on a critical election cycle that year. Syria
'Plan B' for worried Turks: Move abroad Under increasing political and economic pressure at home, thousands of wealthy Turks are buying property abroad to obtain residency permits. Turkey
Will Trump’s Middle East deal work? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is all in favor of a regional alliance with pragmatic Sunni states, but he will do everything in his power to remove a deal with the Palestinians. Saudi Arabia
Will Abbas’ foes thwart his chances for success at Trump meeting? Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has strenuously lobbied President Donald Trump on behalf of the Palestinians, but his rival Marwan Barghouti and Hamas are trying to sabotage his efforts. Palestine
Can Iraqi politicians appease Sadr as he flexes his influence? Iraqi leaders seek to convince parliamentarian Muqtada al-Sadr to keep the calm and support the political process. Iraq
Trump's Palestinian pilgrimage brings hope, concern US President Donald Trump will visit Bethlehem during his stay in Israel, where Palestinians expect him to finally lay out his vision on how to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestine
Syria's reconstruction plans take shape Though an end to Syria’s conflict is not in sight, plans for reconstruction projects by the Syrian regime and international aid organizations are underway. Syria
Mining companies in no rush to exploit Egypt's gold Egypt's deserts are thought to hold an abundance of gold, but the government needs to find companies willing to pick up the cost of exploration and production. Egypt
Inside Palestine’s first camp for former female prisoners The Women's Association for Development and Empowerment launched the first-of-its-kind camp in Jerusalem to help former female detainees cope with their new lives inside their communities after their release. Palestine
Economic indices paint gloomy future for Palestine The latest economic reports from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics indicate a rise of prices, which may lead to inflation. Palestine
Beirut Design Week takes on collaboration, security and community Beirut Design Week brings together Middle East designers, providing them opportunities to further collaborations. Lebanon
Saudis trumpet Trump Saudi Arabia gives US President Donald Trump the fully rolled out red carpet treatment in hopes of getting heightened US action against Iran. Gulf
In wake of Rouhani's win, conservative rivals vow to remain on scene While President Hassan Rouhani’s victory was called a landslide by some, Iran’s conservatives will give the president a tough fight in implementing campaign promises. Iran
What’s behind Damascus’ claim of 'invasion from Jordan'? The Russian media has been closely following Damascus’ claims on military movement on the Jordanian-Syrian border, looking at the goals behind certain claims and how they may impact a political settlement. Iraq
Bahrain’s ongoing political crisis threatens stability The Bahraini government is taking a strong stand against the militant Shiite opposition factions that have become more radical in the past few years. Saudi Arabia
