Will Egypt impose a 'Gaza supervisor' on Hamas? By agreeing to dismantle its Gaza governing body, Hamas indicates that it is willing to concede to Egypt’s demands and form a unity government with Fatah. Palestine
With win over IS, Lebanese army jostles Hezbollah The Lebanese army's recent victory against IS on the Syrian border offered proof of the state forces' growing military capabilities, but Hezbollah still plays an important and complementary role in Lebanese security despite the rivalry between the two encouraged by the United States and Iran. Lebanon
How Israel's political parties headhunt generals Labor head Avi Gabbay and Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid both know that to win the premiership they must add a prominent ex-general to their Knesset lists. Israel
Iraqi war victims find solace on stage Theater therapy in Iraq is being utilized to help treat people suffering from war-related psychological problems, but institutionalizing the approach faces its own struggle in the country. Iraq
US arms sale to Bahrain raises questions about sustainability The $3.8 billion sale of jets and patrol boats dwarfs the tiny emirate’s annual defense budget. Bahrain
Senate could reverse billions of dollars of cuts to Israeli defense sector An amendment from Sen. Lindsey Graham would allow Israel to continue using US military financing on its own domestic industry. Israel
No release for jailed journalists in Turkey’s Cumhuriyet case During the latest hearing in a state lawsuit against journalists from Turkey's Cumhuriyet newspaper, the court has upheld its decision to keep the defendants in jail until the next hearing. Turkey
Senior Iranian diplomat: US is serious about killing nuclear deal The head of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations warns that the US administration is serious in its efforts to kill the nuclear deal. Saudi Arabia
Saudi-Iranian rapprochement remains mirage Despite talk of an impending rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, facts on the ground suggest that reconciliation is not yet on the horizon. Saudi Arabia
Iraq sends Khamenei's envoy back to Iran with little to show It appears Iran is trying to draw Iraqi Shiites together, but many religious leaders aren't willing to be herded. Iraq
How wise is Turkey’s plan to revoke Gulen’s citizenship? Ankara has laid the legal groundwork to revoke the citizenship of the accused mastermind of last year’s coup attempt, Fethullah Gulen, a controversial move in which some see covert motives. Turkey
Massive drops in migration to Italy bring Libya’s problems to light As the migration flow from Libyan shores to the Italian coast dropped by more than half within a month, analysts say deals between Italy and local armed groups to stop immigrants from boarding the boats are leading to abuses. North Africa
The business of war: Egypt, others eye reconstruction bids Despite lingering security concerns, Egypt is seeking a substantial, lucrative role in rebuilding Syria and Iraq. Egypt
Egyptians make their way to Mecca by many means Many Egyptians resort to illegal methods to perform hajj in Mecca, and the government funds thousands of others, putting a strain on the country's already strapped economy. Saudi Arabia
Ancient Syrian mosaics crumble under weight of war The war in Syria has destroyed many of its ancient mosaics and threatens the craft of making them. Syria
Palestine's primary schools defy Israeli demolition orders Israel's destruction of a European-financed school in the West Bank has forced Palestinian children to instead attend classes in a tent. Palestine
