Palestine’s admission to Interpol sparks angry response from Israel In light of the ongoing US and Israeli stalemate to push peace talks, the Palestinians are taking matters into their own hands and recently joined Interpol. Palestine
Putin, Erdogan emerge all smiles from Ankara meeting As Turkey becomes more alienated from the West, Moscow is filling the gap by extending its friendship — and more — to Ankara. Turkey
Russia tempers Erdogan's threats against Iraqi Kurdistan Major Russian interests in Iraqi Kurdistan’s energy sector are seen as having a bearing on Turkey’s threatening response to the Kurdish independence referendum. Iraq
Turkey, Iran, Iraq in shaky alignment against Iraqi Kurdistan Turkey, Iran and Iraq have closed ranks over the independence vote in Iraqi Kurdistan, but how long can their partnership survive? Iraq
Culture Alert: October dominated by film festivals in Middle East A number of film festivals, from short films to documentaries, take place in Beirut, Tehran, Haifa and Istanbul throughout October — where many of the regional countries’ nominees for Oscars will be screened. Israel
Refugee caterers bring taste of Syria to Cairo A group of Syrian women refugees have opened a catering service in Cairo to make ends meet, and Egyptians are relishing their efforts. Egypt
Hamas promotes ties with Moscow Hamas’ visit to Moscow raises questions about the movement’s objectives and about Russia’s increased influence in the Middle East and in the Palestinian arena. Palestine
Two dozen of Egypt's Nubians arrested for protesting, face hearing Nubians continue to be arrested at peaceful protests as they demand the right to return to their historical region in Egypt, further shedding light on the marginalization they suffer from the regime. Egypt
Kurdish referendum a double-edged sword for Russia Although Russia says it respects Iraqi Kurds' desire for self-determination, their independence is probably not in Russia's best interest. Iraq
Does Istanbul mayor's ouster spell AKP shakeup? Istanbul's mayor, a member of the Justice and Development Party, has appeared on post-coup Turkey's chopping block as the ruling party works to revitalize its base and prominent members jockey for the jobs. Turkey
Iran abandons hope for WTO accession Although many thought Iran might finally be able to join the World Trade Organization following the nuclear deal, the Islamic Repubic appears to have lost hope of becoming part of the influential body. Iran
Thousands turn out in Iran for burial of soldier beheaded by IS An Iranian soldier who was killed in Syria in August received a large public funeral in Iran. Iran
Saudi driving decree first step in needed changes The royal decree allowing women to drive in Saudi Arabia comes at a time when the country is facing increasing international pressure, especially over its war in Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Egyptian doctors moonlight as chefs A new restaurant created by Egyptian doctors is decorated like an emergency room and serves liver dishes cooked with surgical precision. Egypt
Why IDF chief commuted Hebron shooter's sentence IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot commuted the sentence of Hebron shooter Elor Azaria, not as a sign of pardon but for Israeli society to heal. Palestine
Will Jewish archive return to Iraq? The United States is preparing to return a Jewish archive to Iraq, but Iraq does not appear ready to receive it, and many want it to remain outside the country. Iraq
