The Turkish economy's mysterious rebound The Turkish economy's surprise 5% growth rate in the first quarter has stirred controversy, fueled mostly by a new calculation method adopted last year. Turkey
Expensive deposits leave Iranian banks stuck with toxic assets A review of interest rates for bank deposits in Iran shows widespread violations of the interest rate ceiling ordered by the Central Bank of Iran. Iran
Iraq outlines plans to rebuild country, inspire tolerance Iraqi officials say they are ready to reconstruct the country and heal the populace devastated by the Islamic State. Iraq
Israel wields influence to block foreign funding to Palestinian NGOs Apparently at Israel's request, some Palestinian nongovernmental organizations are losing their financial support from abroad over allegations of their links to terrorism. Palestine
Gaza’s power crisis cripples farmers The repercussions of the power crisis hitting the Gaza Strip, receiving less than four hours of daily supply, are now reflected in the agricultural sector and threatening food security in Gaza. Palestine
Palestinians despair as Israel breaks ground on new settlement Despite UN Security Council Resolution 2334 and US President Donald Trump's efforts to resume the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, Israel has approved plans to develop its first new settlement area in 25 years. Palestine
Palestinians wary of talk Gaza may be declared 'rebel district' The poor living conditions and security situation of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip could further deteriorate if Palesinian President Mahmoud Abbas declares Gaza a "rebel district." Palestine
IS loses ground in Sinai, searches for other foothold in Egypt The Islamic State has carried out several terrorist attacks against Copts in different Egyptian governorates, raising questions about anti-terrorism laws and the efficiency of the security services. Egypt
Syrian refugees in Turkey return home for holidays As Eid al-Fitr approaches, marking the end of Ramadan, Turkish authorities opened two border crossings with Syria so refugees can visit their homeland. Syria
Tunisia can only afford neutrality in Qatar crisis Tunisia has officially remained neutral in the Qatari-Gulf crisis given its economic relations with the two main parties involved. Gulf
PA cuts salaries to Hamas prisoners The Palestinian Authority is exerting more pressure on Hamas with its latest move cutting off the allowances of former prisoners affiliated with the Gaza group. Palestine
Israeli defense minister accuses Abbas of pushing Israel-Hamas war To destroy Hamas rule, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas pushes it into a confrontation with Israel. Palestine
Netanyahu ready to meet Abbas, but not to negotiate While the Palestinians hope that President Donald Trump will deliver a realistic negotiations process on a two-state solution, the Israeli side is determined to jeopardize such a process. Palestine
Ankara sends reinforcements into northern Syria Turkish troops have entered northern Syria, sparking fears of a coalition-undermining attack on Syrian Kurdish forces. Syria
New clashes likely between Turkey, Europe Controversy follows Turkey's president wherever he goes. Next stop: Europe. Turkey
Iraq’s PM concludes tightrope regional tour Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's tour — which spanned Saudi Arabia, Iran and Kuwait — aimed to maintain regional balances amid discussions on post-IS preparations and regional aid to Iraq. Saudi Arabia