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. By Rami Galal
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. By Asaad Hanna
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. By Aziza Nofal
Hamas finds itself at Egypt's mercy Despite Hamas' apparent rapprochement with Iran, the movement is finding it can only pursue relations as Cairo allows. By Shlomi Eldar
Court could force Israel to rethink nuke policy Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu keeps issuing warnings on Iran’s nuclear program, but refuses to discuss the hazards of Israel’s own nuclear policy. By Akiva Eldar
Don’t let Islamic State slip the noose in Syria As Russia beefs up its offensive in Syria, the situation there looks promising, but it’s time for Moscow and Washington to cooperate in a final push to eliminate the Islamic State. By Maxim A. Suchkov
US-Iran exchanges hang in balance as Trump weighs decision on nuclear deal The State Department has spent no money this year on US-Iran exchanges amid uncertainty over the fate of the nuclear agreement. By Barbara Slavin
Turkish spy chief headed for Erbil, whisper KRG officials Rumor has it that the head of Turkish intelligence is planning a trip to Erbil, where he would face an uphill struggle to free Turkish operatives allegedly held there and perhaps discourage the upcoming referendum on independence. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iran, Turkey to send aid to Myanmar’s Muslims Iranians condemn the inaction of the United Nations with respect to the plight of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. By Al-Monitor Staff
Shiite iconography electrifies Iranians on Syria The beheading of an Iranian fighter on the Syrian frontier is proving to be a watershed moment in the Iranian public’s view of the country’s military intervention in Syria. By Fazel Hawramy (Iran Pulse)
Iraqi Kurds’ referendum fever spills over to Turkish cousins As Iraqi Kurdistan’s independence vote nears, some Turkish Kurds are making efforts to thaw Turkish opposition to the referendum. By Mahmut Bozarslan
Naguib Mahfouz to finally get his Palace of Desire Despite repeated promises, the Egyptian government has postponed the opening of a museum honoring the Nobel laureate — until now. By Ahmed Fouad
‘Earth is flat,’ pro-Erdogan youth leader argues The conspiratorial mindset that led an AKP youth leader to doubt that the Earth is round is the signal of a powerful ideological drive in today’s Turkey. By Mustafa Akyol
Will Russia tolerate Israeli actions in Syria? The large IDF drill near Israel’s northern borders, sends a clear message to Hezbollah: if the organization decides to attack Israel, Israel won’t hesitate to destroy Lebanon’s infrastructure. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Egypt unwavering to US pressure over North Korea The cooperation between Egypt and North Korea under Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has continued despite calls from Washington to freeze the relationship. By Amr Eltohamy
Sabbath summit unites Israel's rival ultra-Orthodox parties The leaders of Israel's distinct ultra-Orthodox sectors united for a unique summit on Sabbath observation in the public space and formulated a joint political strategy. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel