Meet Iran’s potential next first ladies Though some progress has been made since Iranian presidential candidate's wives first stepped into the campaign spotlight in 2009, they still do not fully participate in their husbands’ campaigns. Iran
Russia keeping a close eye on Algeria Algeria’s new legislature, facing tough economic times domestically, needs to make gains in foreign policy to regain citizens’ trust — something Russia might be able to facilitate. Algeria
How Egypt plans to crack down on antiquities theft Archaeologists and others say that changes to Egypt's antiquities law, if applied properly, will reduce the theft of artifacts and also make the lives of tourists more hassle-free. Egypt
How lucrative is Turkey’s defense industry? A permanent agenda item of Erdogan’s foreign travels is military cooperation and finding markets for Turkey’s defense industry products, but it's sometimes difficult to tell how much of the achievement touted in this area is real. Turkey
Iran’s Kurds voice frustrations, hopes heading into election Security and the economy remain high on the list of priorities for Iranian Kurds who depend on the smuggling of goods into their country. Iran
McCain reacts to DC brawl: Throw Turkey's ambassador 'the hell out' Calls are growing in Washington for a serious response to the violent behavior of the Turkish president's security detail as a high-level investigation opens and a prominent senator speaks out. Turkey
How Trump's upcoming visit is connecting Israelis and Palestinians The May 22 visit of President Donald Trump pushes Israelis and Palestinians into greater cooperation, driving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to decide on a package of economic incentives for the Palestinians. Palestine
Photo campaign blows lid off skin color discrimination in Egypt A new photo campaign casts the spotlight on darker-skinned women's experience with discrimination in Egypt. Egypt
Did Erdogan leave Trump meeting empty-handed? After the meeting between the Turkish and US presidents, it seems that the two country's diplomatic problems will continue, but there could be some slight improvements in military cooperation. Turkey
Following controversial video leak, Iraq minorities seek to address hate speech Following a religious lecture by the head of the Shiite Endowment on the provisions of jihad against non-Muslims, Iraqi minorities called for the government to take decisive action against hate speech in the country. Iraq
Saltwater and 'honor' on Gazan restaurants’ menus The Gaza Strip is showing its solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in Israeli jails by participating in the "Saltwater Challenge." Palestine
After his withdrawal from presidential race, who will get Tehran mayor's votes? Although Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has withdrawn from the presidential race and urged his supporters to back fellow conservative Ebrahim Raisi, there are doubts about voters heeding his call. Iran
In final day before vote, Rouhani lashes out at Iran’s hard-liners In his final campaign speech, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani issued criticisms of his main conservative rival, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Basij and state TV. Iran
Can a consensus candidate be found to challenge Egypt's Sisi? Several political and civil forces have launched initiatives to select a consensus candidate to run against President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in the elections set for May 2018. Egypt
Open-air soccer game screenings come to Gaza City A giant screen at al-Qutaibah Square in Gaza City has been showing the UEFA Europa League matches, easing the suffering of Gazans amid the power outage and unemployment crises. Palestine
Would Israel's Knesset support a Trump Mideast deal? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cannot claim that his coalition will fall apart if he supports a peace initiative by President Donald Trump. Palestine
