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
Trump says al-Qaeda received US weapons intended for Syrian rebels In a July 25 interview made public Tuesday, the president said he canceled a CIA program to train and equip moderate Syrian rebels after weapons ended up in the hands of Al-Qaeda. Syria
Rouhani under fire over likely new Cabinet appointments In Iran, President Hassan Rouhani comes under fire from Reformists who demand more seats in his second-term Cabinet. Meanwhile, reports indicate that his campaign pledge to appoint female ministers will not be realized. Iran
Turkey in uproar over McGurk The Turkish media's outlandish attacks on US envoy Brett McGurk hint at the anxiety in Ankara over US relations with Syrian Kurds. Syria
Germany's patience with Erdogan may be running out The latest moves by the German government against Turkey suggest Germany's patience with President Erdogan may have run its course. Turkey
Iran outflanking Saudi Arabia in Yemen Saudi Arabia's war on Yemen has allowed Iran more influence than ever in the region. Saudi Arabia
