Iraq hopes to bring FIFA soccer back to its stadiums Iraq is hosting showcase soccer games during a three-month "probation" period as it works to convince FIFA that the country has overcome security and organizational problems and is ready to get back in the game. Iraq
Iran signs first energy contract since nuclear deal Iran's first energy deal since the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions on the country is a major breakthrough in the development of the massive South Pars gas field. Iran
Iranian 'shadow government' likely to remain pipe dream Despite the fanfare in some quarters of the Principlist camp, the idea of a “shadow government” being set up in Iran appears unlikely to materialize. Iran
Parchment down to last maker in ancient Turkish birthplace Parchment, the game-changer in the ancient library war between Alexandria and Pergamum, is at risk of extinction in modern-day Bergama, where an 85-year-old man is the last surviving craftsman. Turkey
Israel anticipates Raqqa’s fall For Israel, the regional power balance after the end of the Islamic State could actually mean a Hezbollah reinforced by the Lebanese army, with Iran present on the Golan Heights front. Israel
Zuwara, the Libyan city working to stop migrant smuggling A group of local activists from the Amazigh-majority city of Zuwara in Libya are taking matters into their own hands and working to prevent illegal immigration from the shores of North Africa toward Europe. North Africa
In Aden, Yemeni activists still live in fear Two years after Houthi rebels were expelled from Aden, Yemenis are fleeing the port city as militias and extremists are increasingly targeting activists, intellectuals and anyone opposing their views. Yemen
Cybercrime law draws mixed reactions among Palestinians Victims hope a new cybercrime law will help them gain rights, get fair compensation and receive legal protection, but some Palestinians fear the law will constitute a tool of repression. Palestine
Protests grow over police actions in Morocco The Moroccan government promotes the country as a model for stability in the region, but its failure to calm months of protests could have serious consequences. Morocco
Jordanian soccer teams’ ugly rivalry reveals deeper divide Al-Wehdat and Al-Faisaly teams' long-standing wrath displays ethnic divisions in Jordan. Palestine
US escalation in Syria strengthens Iran-Russia partnership The race to recapture eastern Syria may soon lead to direct confrontation between the US-led coalition and Syria’s Russian and Iranian allies. Syria
Rethinking Russia’s Mideast ambitions Iran and Russia make for surprising allies in the Middle East, but ultimately Russia values its own interests over any alliance. Syria
Lebanon’s summer music festivals range from chic to psytrance From international concerts by the sea to gatherings at a family estate, Lebanon’s festivals offer a variety for music lovers. Lebanon
Iraqi civil society groups seek to restock Mosul libraries Civil society organizations and cultural institutions are rushing to supply two libraries in Mosul with books, publications and periodicals. Iraq
Trump administration plans to slash US aid for Tunisia The Donald Trump administration’s proposed budget for Tunisia shrinks aid by 70%, representing a threat to Tunisia’s democratic gains. Tunisia
Bonanza for Palestinian businesses as Ramadan travel permits canceled While Israel’s cancellation of travel permits to some 200,000 Palestinians during the end of the month of Ramadan was a setback to the plans of many, it was a blessing in disguise for local entrepreneurs, restaurants and resorts. Palestine
