Europeans press terror-finance watchdog to extend Iran sanctions reprieve European countries are pushing a key financial watchdog to suspend sanctions against Iran for a second year to shore up the Iranian economy and the nuclear deal. United States
The long-term cost of Saudi succession shake-up The king of Saudi Arabia has replaced his successor with his favorite son Mohammed bin Salman in a move that was not entirely unexpected, but perhaps poorly timed for Saudi stability. Saudi Arabia
Ahmadinejad faces pressure after failed presidential bid Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad turns to crowdfunding to pay for a new office for his bodyguards after a property seizure by the authorities. Iran
Islamic parties intimidate, fear atheists in Iraq Islamic parties in Iraq have intensified their rhetoric against atheists, with one prominent cleric calling for them to be confronted with an "iron fist." Iraq
Abbas spokesman joins top Fatah committee Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat insisted on a quota system for Christians, and the Palestinian leadership has gone out of its way to ensure that this community is represented at all levels of Palestinian society and on the political scene. Palestine
Syria’s women could be key to the future Idlib province is witnessing a rise in activities aimed at empowering women who have suffered in the ongoing war in the country. Syria
UNRWA, Hamas deny connection to Gaza tunnels The discovery of two tunnels under UNRWA-run schools in the Gaza Strip elicited denials from Hamas, the prime suspect in their construction. Palestine
Qatar's charity funding in Gaza dries up as Gulf crisis continues Palestinians in the Gaza Strip worry about how the Gulf decision to cut ties with Qatar will affect the critical Qatar-funded relief and development projects in Gaza. Gulf
Despite taboo, Hebrew classes open doors for young Egyptians More Egyptian university students are learning Hebrew, though social and political prejudices can still make things difficult. Egypt
Iranian missiles worry Israel From Israel’s viewpoint, the missiles that Iran launched June 18 failed to hit their target, but demonstrated the missile construction and launching capacities developed by Iran. Israel
Hamas hedging its bets in region Hamas appears to have adopted a new regional policy of avoiding taking sides and nurturing good relations with anyone willing to accept the group. Qatar
Popular anger at islands transfer highlights Egypt’s polarized society Cairo erupts in protests over the proposed handover of two Egyptian Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia as protesters question the Egyptian government's intentions behind the deal. Saudi Arabia
Iranian hard-liners use Tehran attacks to snipe at Rouhani Though Iranian hard-liners have quickly seized the June 7 terrorist attacks in Tehran as an opportunity to rally forces, it is unclear whether their security-focused discourse will gain steam. Iran
Iranian Reformists lash out over Tillerson's hints at regime change Iranian Reformists notably join hands in response to the Trump administration’s signals that it is reverting to a policy of regime change toward the Islamic Republic. United States
Erdogan tones down rhetoric in light of Qatar's fate Turkey fears it could be next in line to be ostracized in the region due to guilt by association with Qatar and the Muslim Brotherhood. Saudi Arabia
Kurds no safer after US shoots down Syrian jet Though Syrian Kurds are widely celebrating the US downing of a regime fighter jet, their ally's move has made them a bigger target than ever. Syria
