Gaza's clothing makers look to weave their way back into Israeli markets For the first time in 10 years, a Palestinian sewing company in Gaza exports a shipment of clothes to the Israeli market. By Khaled Abu Amer
Jordan opens crossing with Iraq, makes nice with Syria Jordan hopes that the reopening of its border crossing with Iraq is a step toward economic recovery, a goal also leading it to maintain a more moderate approach toward the Syrian government. By Osama Al Sharif
Netanyahu maintains battle against Iran deal ahead of UN meeting The Israeli leadership fears that with the US administration leaving Syria in Russian hands and its inaction toward North Korea, no one will stop Tehran from placing its forces near Israel’s borders. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
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. By Shlomi Eldar
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. By Bachir el-Khoury
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. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
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. By Adnan Abu Zeed
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. By Jack Detsch
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. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
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. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
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. By Al-Monitor Staff
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. By Ali Hashem In Doha, reporting on Iran, regional politics, conflict
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. By Ali Mamouri
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. By Sibel Hurtas
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. By Justin Salhani (Lebanon Pulse)
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. By David Awad