Israel gives nod to Russia with new national holiday Israel, seeking to keep Russian ties close, realizes little things do matter. Israel
Most Israelis, Palestinians are tired of fighting Israeli right-wing legislators do all they can to keep the two-state solution at a distance, yet a majority of Israelis still support it. Palestine
Israeli centrist looks to profit from Netanyahu’s troubles Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid is looking to collect Knesset seats on the right as police investigations close in on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
Where do Al-Aqsa protests leave the Islamic Movement in Israel? The Islamic Movement in Israel has tried to keep a low profile in recent weeks after three men connected to its base, Umm al-Fahm, killed two Israeli police officers, sparking deadly protests. Palestine
Lebanese society on edge with Arsal raid, battle Activists and lawyers defending Syrian refugees in Lebanon and uncovering human rights violations committed against them are receiving threats and are banned from expressing their opinion. Lebanon
Egypt cuts cultivation of water-intensive crops In anticipation of a water crisis following the construction of the Renaissance Dam, Egypt’s government is preparing a draft law to impose harsher sanctions on the cultivation of water-intensive crops, but some say farmers must first be offered alternatives. Egypt
Tourism report signals wider issues for women in Turkey Turks are angry about Forbes magazine's story that listed Turkey as being a dangerous destination for women traveling alone, but do they have cause? Turkey
Iran-Saudi handshake offers glimmer of hope for talks Iranian media welcome the Iranian and Saudi foreign ministers’ handshake in Istanbul, viewing it as a possible beginning of talks between Tehran and Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Heads roll at top of Turkey's military The Turkish government reshuffled the top echelons of the military as the trial of more than 500 alleged coup plotters got underway. Turkey
Saudi engagement with Iraqi Shiites stirs talk of opening with Iran Saudi Arabia’s engagement with Iraqi Shiite figures gives rise to speculation about a potential opening between Tehran and Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Iraq eager to get back antiquities smuggled to US Iraq is diligently working to recover relics from the United States that were looted from Iraqi archaeological sites. Iraq
Why Israelis have turned against IDF, Shin Bet Contrary to the past years when Israeli society venerated the leaders of the Israel Defense Force and Shin Bet, many suspect them nowadays of having their own agendas. Israel
Turkey's cyclists bike for a cause In Turkey, bicycling is not only a means of transport and leisure but also, for one group, of social activism. Turkey
Uighur students in limbo after crackdown in Egypt Many are wondering what is behind Egyptian authorities' arrest of Chinese Uighurs studying at Al-Azhar. Egypt