Beheading of IRGC fighter unites Iranians Iranians across the country and political spectrum have reacted to the death of Mohsen Hojjaji, an IRGC fighter who was beheaded by the Islamic State, with calls for revenge. Iran
Turkey warns of migrant surge in spat with EU The Turkey-EU migrant deal is largely sticking because both sides have benefited from it, but Ankara is working to leverage the plight of refugees in exchange for cash and visas. Turkey
Turkey might seek more than mere reconstruction in northern Syria Turkey’s ambitious and costly reconstruction projects in the Jarablus/al-Rai/al-Bab triangle of northern Syria suggest comprehensive society-building. Syria
Netanyahu pushes law making it easier to declare war A law Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to advance would allow the security Cabinet to declare war without approval of the entire government. Israel
South Yemen leader vows to continue fight against 'rebels' in north After his return from a tour that included Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the head of Yemen's South Transitional Council, talks to Al-Monitor about pressing local and regional issues. Gulf
Has US sacrificed Israel for Syria deal? Israel feels the Trump administration is not seriously taking into account Israel's concerns about Iran's regional aspirations. Israel
Two initiatives revive hopes for Palestinian reconciliation Hamas’ political bureau member and the Patriots to End the Split announced two similar initiatives to end the Palestinian division, which some say are not enough to solve the internal dispute between Hamas and Fatah in the near future. Palestine
Two years after Sousse attack, British tourists return to Tunisia Following the Sousse terror attack two years ago, Britain advised its nationals against traveling to Tunisia, but the government has now suspended its warning in a move that Tunisians hope will boost the ailing tourism sector. Tunisia
Japan comes to the rescue of Gaza's hospitals With funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and in collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Health, solar panels will be installed in Gaza's hospitals to provide electricity to vital care units. Palestine
Tulkarm aims to renovate century-old Ottoman train tunnel The Ottoman Empire’s Hejaz Railway, initially seen as Sultan Abdulhamid's folly, played a key role in World War I and later in Palestine's history. Palestine
Leaked recording sparks debate on harassment at Egypt universities A Cairo University professor allegedly is heard sexually coercing an anonymous student on a leaked audio recording, raising the ire of female activists and civil society organizations. Egypt
Is Barzani backing away from independence referendum? Iraqi Kurdistan's president expects "guarantees and alternatives" from Washington; Hamas diplomatic surge with Iran and Russia. Palestine
Hamas, Iran plot closer path forward amid Qatar crisis The normalization of ties between Iran and the Palestinian Hamas movement appears to be accelerating amid the crisis among Gulf states. Palestine
Iraq’s legendary fashion house revived Despite pressure from conservatives and a lack of funds, the Iraqi House of Fashion revives its glory days with a museum catwalk. Iraq
US-backed forces cut off Islamic State in Raqqa The Syrian Democratic Forces have surrounded the Islamic State’s Syria stronghold. Syria
What's behind controversial Iraqi cleric's visit to Saudi Arabia? Top Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has shifted his domestic and regional policies, adopting a stance independent of Iran. Saudi Arabia
