Corruption, nepotism obvious under Erdogan Trading in political influence is becoming more evident — some would say it's becoming the norm — in Turkey, where all power appears to be in one person's hand. Turkey
Erdogan targets Turkish banks over economic crisis Turkey’s president is blasting banks for making what he considers to be unfairly large profits, yet he overlooks his government's role in making it possible. Turkey
Iraq's Turkmen areas become battlefield in Kurdish referendum debate Turkmen areas in Iraq have become a battleground between Arabs and Kurds to exert influence over them, while the Turkmens are concerned about the inclusion of these areas in the Kurdistan referendum on independence. Iraq
Egypt's first female dolphin trainer swims against the stream Nesma Rafet, who left a corporate career for swimming with dolphins, says her male colleagues' attitude that she couldn’t do the job encouraged her further. Egypt
Libya’s pleas for Italian help unlikely to solve migration issue The Libyan plea to Italy to help counter the migration flow may not bring in the desired results, as the former colonial power has its own interests to serve during this election year. Libya
Jordanian king’s Ramallah visit more than morale booster Jordanian King Abdullah's two-hour visit to Ramallah was meant to send a number of signals to multiple parties. Palestine
Al Jazeera gains from Israel’s attempts to close it Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Al Jazeera's Jerusalem office will be closed, but this is unlikely to affect the network's work or coverage of the Palestinian-Israeli situation. Gulf
Hamas convinced Israel will launch an attack Hamas leaders believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing for a military operation in the Gaza Strip to distract attention from police investigations against him. Palestine
What Russia has to gain from relations with Hamas Russia's recent steps to further its rapprochement with Hamas are connected to its existing alliance with Iran and the overall situation in the region. Palestine
Netanyahu’s show of strength actually reflects weakness As police investigations gain momentum and the noose tightens around Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s neck, the premier finds himself more isolated than ever. Israel
US vows to press ahead with Iraq bomb clearance despite criticism A State Department audit released this week criticizes the agency’s approach to oversight of efforts to clear improvised explosive devices and mines in Iraq. Iraq
Turkish opposition claims Erdogan building private intelligence service Turkey is reeling from an explosive report and subsequent media coverage of an alleged private intelligence service operating under and reporting to the president. Turkey
Israel, Palestinians anticipate return of the generals The Israeli and the Palestinian political systems are preparing for the post-Netanyahu and post-Abbas periods, when security challenges will only increase. Palestine
Not all Kurds on board with Kurdish independence vote Some residents of Sulaimaniyah are fed up with the Iraqi Kurdistan government's poor management of the economy and may take their frustration out in the upcoming independence referendum. Iraq
Iran judiciary in conflict over executions The debate about executions in Iran over drug-related crimes is heating up. Iran
Netanyahu's legacy will haunt Israel In his many years as Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has managed to destroy relations between Israelis and Palestinians, Jews and Arabs, and the right and left. Palestine
