Sinai initiative targets tribal weddings with push for official documents Egypt’s National Council for Women is taking steps to replace tribal weddings with civil marriage in the Sinai Peninsula by helping women get the proper birth and marriage certificates. Egypt
Turkey wanted thousands of US troops for Raqqa offensive As the US-led coalition fights to liberate Raqqa, Turkey continues to complain about the inclusion of Syrian Kurdish fighters, arguing the United States should have committed enough troops. Syria
Turkey’s economic dilemma: Win Qatar or lose the Gulf? By backing Qatar, Turkey faces economic losses in the Gulf but improved economic ties with Iran Gulf
Trump reluctantly certifies Iran’s compliance with nuclear deal The Trump administration told Congress on Monday that Iran was violating the "spirit" of the deal and made the case for a thorough renegotiation. Congress
Fighting revives refugees' hopes of returning to Aleppo After well more than a year living under wretched conditions in refugee camps, thousands of displaced residents from northern Aleppo province hope to return home soon as the Free Syrian Army fights to reclaim towns from the Syrian Democratic Forces. Syria
Activists push Rouhani to appoint women ministers Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is under pressure to appoint women ministers after having focused on addressing the demands of female voters during his campaign for re-election. Iran
Iran military warns against IRGC sanctions The chief of staff of Iran's armed forces has warned that US sanctions against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would make American bases in the Middle East unsafe. United States
'Refugees Got Talent' showcases Syrian performers in Egypt The UNHCR hosted a talent show for refugees in Alexandria, offering displaced Syrians and others a rare chance to perform onstage. Egypt
Expansion plan for Palestinian town a power test for Liberman The battle over Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman’s plan to expand the Palestinian town of Qalqilya reflects division within the right-wing camp, ahead of the next elections. Palestine
Israeli judiciary’s double standard on Jewish, Arab terrorists The Israeli justice system appears to have a double standard on collective punishment for the families of Arabs who commit acts of terror and those of Jews who do the same. Palestine
Palestinian succession gets more complicated Hopes that Saeb Erekat, the head of the Palestinian negotiating team, would succeed President Mahmoud Abbas have been dashed by news that Erekat has to undergo an urgent lung transplant, thus further complicating the Palestinian political scene. Palestine
New Hamas chief's first speech reflects strategic shift Ismail Haniyeh's maiden speech as the head of Hamas' political bureau was uncharacteristically dry and vague for the movement, avoiding potentially divisive policy details and providing leeway for any future shift in positions. Palestine
Pentagon: Rebel forces taking heavy casualties in Raqqa fight The United States confirmed today that the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces are taking heavy casualties in an effort to push the Islamic State out of its stronghold in Raqqa. Syria
Turkish-YPG clashes rage around critical sites in northern Syria Turkey and its allies among the Syrian rebel forces have intensified attacks on Syrian Kurdish fighters in northwest Syria as Turkey's buildup continues. Syria
Exhibition in Cairo casts a look at 1980s art Five artists of the 1980s came together in Cairo’s Soma Art Gallery to showcase their work from 30 years ago. Egypt
Even through all his bluster, Erdogan's fear is obvious Despite massive purges since the attempted coup a year ago, Turkey's president and those around him are still afraid of their own military. Turkey
