Syrian regime clears last IS bastion in Aleppo province The Syrian regime is closing in on the Islamic State in Aleppo, while securing a foothold in Raqqa’s outskirts, where US-backed rebels launched their offensive to liberate the city. Syria
Egypt's new NGO law will further shackle civil society Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi promulgated a new law May 29 that regulates the work of NGOs, but local and international human rights activists and groups say the law is repressive and imposes unprecedented draconian restrictions. Egypt
Netanyahu and Abbas on the same page for once Palestinians and Israelis are mulling over a partial settlement construction freeze, a move that would benefit the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli government. Palestine
Egypt takes fight against illegal migration to the airwaves In its latest effort to stem the flow of illegally emigrating young people, the Egyptian government is airing educational ads and programs on the radio. Egypt
Road ahead unclear in aftermath of Tehran attacks After having thwarted numerous plots to strike Iran, the country has finally been hit by its first Islamic State attack; the question now is what Iran may do next. Saudi Arabia
Iran says IS attackers fought in Syria and Iraq Iranian authorities linked the Islamic State attackers to a larger cell whose leader was killed by security forces last year. Saudi Arabia
Turkey's 'American Idol' of Quran recitation backfires An attempt to spread Ramadan cheer backfires as Turkey's Islamists are not happy with a controversial TV show involving competition to recitate the Quran. Egypt
Beloved Turkish soccer star sacked after choking reporter Turkish soccer player Arda Turan may have believed that his close relationship with the Turkish president lent him immunity as he assaulted a journalist this week. Turkey
After rushing to Qatar's aid, Turkey may have to rethink its Mideast ties Ankara, fearing it could be next on the Arab hit list, hastily approves sending troops to Qatar despite Turkey's poor history when intervening in Arab affairs. Qatar
'Peace Radio' inspires Iraq's refugees and displaced Radio Salam in northern Iraq focuses on the refugees and displaced in Iraq to spread hope and peace among them. Iraq
Yemeni expats find sisterhood, escapism on Beirut roller derby track Despite bruises and broken ankles, a dozen young women from different countries are determined to keep up the first roller derby club in Beirut. Yemen
Egypt’s role in the push to cut off Qatar With three Gulf states revolting against Qatar's regional policies, Egypt has found the perfect opportunity to sever ties with Qatar after four years of political bickering. Saudi Arabia
Trump’s 7 guidelines for relaunching Israeli-Palestinian talks Instead of specific terms of reference, US President Donald Trump is reshaping rather vague guideline principles, creating a symmetry between Israeli and Palestinian interests. Palestine
The occupation at 50: No end in sight for Palestinians The Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories will not end until world powers convince Israel that their is an economic and political price to pay for sustaining it. Palestine
Hamas could be next victim of Qatari-Gulf brawl Qatar politely sent some Hamas leaders packing after several nations, including Saudi Arabia, cut diplomatic ties with Doha. Saudi Arabia
Cairo cracks down on rivals ahead of presidential vote As the Egyptian presidential elections approach in June 2018, members of political parties are arrested, including lawyer and former presidential candidate Khaled Ali, who may run for president again. Egypt