Will Palestinians shift strategy to include UN? The Palestinians appear to have started a serious rethink of their national strategy, but it is crucial that they understand both the potential and the limitations that going the United Nations route will provide. Palestine
Why Russia seeks to stay neutral in Saudi-Qatar rift Russia's offer to mediate in the Qatar crisis is a strategic move designed to place Moscow in the catbird seat without endangering relations with either side. Saudi Arabia
Defying Trump, IAEA says Iran honoring nuclear deal The world atomic energy agency rejected the Trump administration's push to inspect Iranian military sites without a clear reason. Originals
Stranded by US airstrikes, IS fighters fleeing Lebanon retreat to Syria The Pentagon says it will leave the militants alone if they don't try to link up with Islamic State forces on the Iraqi border. Iraq
Second indictment for Erdogan guards over DC beatdown in May A grand jury in Washington has indicted Turkish security officials accused of attacking pro-Kurdish protesters in the US capital in May, prompting worry that the Turkish president may boycott upcoming United Nations meetings just as the administration seeks to repair ties. Turkey
Who censors access to Iran's Khamenei? A young Iranian cleric explained the vetting process a cleric must go through to give a speech in front of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran
Talk of 'good genes' provokes nepotism outcry in Iran Comments by the son of prominent Reformist leader Mohammad Reza Aref concerning his "good genes" have caused furor among Iranians. Iran
US troop numbers in Iraq, Syria could surge under new accounting rules The Pentagon wants to stop undercounting temporarily deployed fighters and allow for the deployment of more support personnel needed in the war against the Islamic State. Iraq
Netanyahu takes Likud hostage Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hammering Likud members with the narrative that police investigators and the left are not out simply to get him, but are after them and Likud party rule. Israel
Hamas’ dangerous gamble on Iran The decision by the Hamas leadership to renew its alliance with Iran seals the already miserable fate of Gaza's people and ensures permanent control of the territory by the movement's military wing. Palestine
Culture Alert: Art scene revives in September The Middle East’s vibrant cultural scene kicks off in September, with art biennials, theater festivals and design fairs. Egypt
In Morocco, press freedom shrinks with Hirak protests As part of the Moroccan authorities' efforts to silence the Hirak protest movement, journalists are facing pressure and repression, prompting questions about their objectivity and the freedom of the press. Morocco
Netanyahu, a gift to Israel's enemies By perpetuating the occupation and the settlement enterprise, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is impairing the dreams of a Zionist state in Israel. Palestine
With Iran's help, Hamas reaches out to Syrian regime Iran is working as mediator as Hamas' new leadership takes steps to restore its severed ties with Syria. Palestine
As IS retreats, local Syrian group races to clear mines A group of local Syrians are working to remove mines and unexploded ordnance in areas recently liberated by the Islamic State in northern Syria and Iraq, but can't always complete the work before civilians return to their homes. Syria
