Iraqi Kurdistan faces many obstacles to independence referendum Amid a strong regional disagreement, Iraqi Kurdistan is insisting on holding a referendum on independence in the fall. Iraq
Egyptian film about revolutions soon in cinemas Egyptians disagree over whether or not there is sufficient documentation available to produce a film depicting the political conflicts that led to the January 25 Revolution and the ousting of President Mohammed Morsi following the June 30, 2013, protests. Egypt
Syrian NGO begins rebuilding war-torn Idlib The relative calm prevailing in northern Syria’s opposition-controlled areas, specifically in Idlib province, is inspiring relief organizations to launch reconstruction projects aimed at infusing life back into the devastated areas. Syria
Egypt launches initiative to keep farmers from bailing on their land Many of Egypt's farmers are abandoning agriculture and moving to the cities to find employment, but an initiative by the Union of Producers and Exporters of Horticultural Crops is trying to encourage farmers to stay put. Egypt
Bahrainis' shrinking political space The Bahraini government is sending a message about loyalty to its population by removing the organizations representing its Shiite and secular opposition from the political arena. Gulf
US, Russia hold secret talks over south Syria safe zone US and Russian officials are quietly negotiating a deal over a proposed "de-escalation" zone near the border with Jordan. Syria
YPG tightens noose around Raqqa The battle for Raqqa is near as arms from the United States are dispersed among the coalition’s Kurdish ally, the Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units. Syria
Turkey's Alevi community fears more than just IS With evidence indicating imminent IS attacks against them, Turkey's Alevi minorities wonder who they can trust after years of dangerous rhetoric and polices from the AKP government. Turkey
Iranian hard-liners launch wave of attacks on Rouhani administration Iranian hard-liners have launched a new wave of attacks against the administration of recently re-elected President Hassan Rouhani. Iran
Syrian women in Egypt work to build strength out of hardship Six years into the devastating war, Syrian women who sought refuge in Egypt have become stronger and acquired new survival skills. Egypt
The reason Trump’s regional visit raised Israeli concerns Contrary to public impression, Israeli political and security establishments were actually worried over US President Donald Trump’s regional visit, especially over his positive impressions of the Saudi leadership. Palestine
Tehran, Washington set for proxy clash on Syrian-Iraqi border Due to its strategic position and impact on the future of Syria, the Iraqi-Syrian border is likely to be the site of a new conflict between the allies of Washington and Tehran soon after the Mosul operation concludes. Iraq
Israelis join Palestinians in peaceful Hebron protest The Israeli army disrupted the peaceful protests held by Palestinian and Israeli activists in a village south of Hebron to help the local communities return to their land. Palestine
Egypt steps up strikes in Libya following Coptic bus attack The recent terrorist attack that killed 26 Copts in southern Egypt pushed the army to launch airstrikes against militant camps inside Libyan territory. Egypt
Syrian rebel commander: 150 US troops at al-Tanf base In an interview with Al-Monitor, Lt. Col. Muhannad al-Talla, the commander of Maghawir al-Thawra, speaks of the role of the US-led coalition at al-Tanf military base, which is close to the border between Jordan, Syria and Iraq. Iraq
Meet the Kurdish woman leading battle against IS in northern Syria In an interview with Al-Monitor, Kurdish commander Rojda Felat, one of the leaders in the battle to retake Raqqa, shares her experience as a female fighter against the Islamic State. Syria