Israeli, Palestinian environmentalists aren't waiting on Trump peace plan While politicians and diplomats rethink their strategies, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict perpetuates pollution of air and water in the region. Palestine
24 years after Oslo, Palestinians still bet on US role in peace process Twenty-four years into the signing of the Oslo Accord, the Palestinian Authority continues to bet that the United States will sponsor the peace process between the Israelis and Palestinians. Palestine
Gaza activists decry rise in torture within prisons Rights groups and activists have documented a rise in cases of torture against detainees and prisoners in the Gaza Strip, while the Ministry of Interior says it is launching investigations into the incidents and imposing sanctions. Palestine
Palestinians react to opening of first US military base in Israel The Sept. 18 announcement of the establishment of the first permanent US-Israeli military base in the Negev desert, in southern Israel, is evidence of the strategic military cooperation between the Americans and Israelis. Palestine
Italy, Egypt renew relations despite unresolved murder The return of Italy’s ambassador to Egypt more than a year after the torture and slaying of Italian student Giulio Regeni in Cairo heralds new opportunities for cooperation between the countries. Egypt
Fatah pressures Abbas to change strategy After US President Donald Trump's speech at the United Nations, many Palestinian leaders are advancing the idea of a binational state to pressure Israel and the United States into negotiating a two-state solution. Palestine
Turkey indulges in schadenfreude as German right triumphs Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says mainstream German politicians paid a price for dragging Turkey into their campaign, but he may find the new government in Berlin even more reluctant to mend ties with Turkey. Turkey
Russia keeps eye on Kurdish oil contracts, referendum Russia has been boosting its presence in Middle East oil via the Kurdish Regional Government, but is also waiting to see what the potential impacts might be of the KRG’s independence referendum. Iraq
Iran’s judiciary files lawsuit against Telegram founder Iran’s judiciary has filed a lawsuit against the Russian founder of the most popular messaging app in Iran. Iran
Israel's highest court in spotlight as right celebrates 50 years of settlement Instead of clarifying that they are against the government’s occupation policy, Israeli centrist and leftist politicians apologized for avoiding the ceremony celebrating the settlement enterprise. Palestine
Arab states coordinate efforts to block Israel's UN Security Council bid Arab League member states have formed a committee aimed at preventing Israel from obtaining a seat on the UN Security Council in next year's elections, yet some argue the move comes too late in light of Israel's extensive outreach to gain support. Near East
Turkey’s threat of sanctions against Iraqi Kurds rattles its own traders The economic sanctions that Turkey threatens against the Iraqi Kurds have sparked anxiety inside its own borders, where many depend on bilateral trade to make a living. Turkey
Iraqi citizens' sentiment may be softening toward Israel Grass-roots support for improved communications seems to be growing in both Iraq and Israel, though officially they have no diplomatic relations. Iraq
Soccer returns to Mosul after three-year ban After three years of being banned by the Islamic State, soccer returns to the city of Mosul, yet facilities remain in dire need of repair. Iraq
Hamas takes another step on path to Gaza handover The Palestinian government will be heading to the Gaza Strip to take over its responsibilities and overcome the challenges represented by the Gaza employees and security issues. Palestine
Ultra-Orthodox play long game with Sabbath soccer debate Israel's Ultra-Orthodox may not really be bothered by soccer being played on the Sabbath, but the complaint offers useful leverage for other political demands. Israel
![Israeli security forces stand guard during a demonstration organized by Peace Now in the Gush Etzion settlement block on September 27, 2017, against the 50th anniversary of the creation of the first Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank and Golan Heights.
Israel's government hosted a celebration of 50 years of Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank and Golan Heights, angering the Palestinians and triggering a row with the supreme court. / AFP PHOTO / Thomas COEX / The erroneous mention[s] appear](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2017/09/GettyImages-854748754.jpg/GettyImages-854748754.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=C3YHn7QQ)
