Israel’s new chief justice — the right person at the right time Newly elected Chief of the Supreme Court Esther Hayut is the right person at the right time to withstand the aggressive forces on the political right in the battle threatening the independence of the court and Israel’s democratic values. Israel
Noose of investigations tightens around Netanyahu New developments in the investigations directly or indirectly involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggest that indictments might be in his future. Israel
Erdogan goes after Morocco’s Gulenists Several Turks affiliated with the Gulen movement have been arrested in Morocco, raising questions about the kingdom’s independence in its decisions. Turkey
Lack of public schools in Ramallah fuels boom in private education A lack of government schools in Ramallah is forcing residents to pay for private education, while the government makes plans to resolve the problem if the necessary budget becomes available. Palestine
Violence still plagues Christians in Iraq Iraq's Christian leaders blame violence and instability for the country's declining Christian and Armenian population. Iraq
Gaza's old Turkish Delight factory sticks to tradition Mohammed Sawan’s century-old factory in the Gaza Strip continues to make lokum, also known as Turkish delight, according to a traditional recipy that is popular during holidays. Palestine
Trump could kick Iran deal to Congress, Haley says US envoy to the United Nations Nikki Haley made the case today for President Donald Trump to not certify Iran’s continued compliance with the 2015 agreement. United States
Palestinian artist gives voice to unrecognized villages Mohamed Badarne has trained his lens on the children from unrecognized villages in the Negev. Palestine
Ankara sit-in demands justice for pro-Kurdish bloc Kurdish politicians are staging peaceful sit-in outside Ankara's Constitutional Court to protest the rampant jailing of pro-Kurdish lawmakers and politicians. Turkey
Burkini bans causing waves in Egypt Tourist-hungry Egypt finds itself stuck in the middle of the burkini debate. Egypt
Hundreds of Russian children found in Mideast orphanages Children ripped from their homes in Russia and secreted off by relatives said to be fighting for the Islamic State are now turning up abandoned in the Middle East. Iraq
Zarif: Europe will stick to nuclear deal if US abandons it Iran’s foreign minister asserts that Europe will continue implementing the nuclear deal even if the United States decides to abandon it. Iran
Losing faith in Rouhani, Iranian women ever defiant Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s failure to nominate a single female Cabinet minister is leading women to lose faith in his promises — but not hope in their future. Iran
Turkey, the new address for Brazilian butts, thick hair and shiny teeth At a time when many economic sectors in Turkey are struggling, the health tourism sector has boomed, attracting hundreds of thousands of foreigners eager to get medical treatment and plastic surgeries for cheap. Turkey
Referendum rift unlikely to damage US-KRG ties As the date for an independence referendum scheduled by the Kurdistan Region of Iraq approaches, the United States increases pressure on the Kurdish parties to postpone the referendum. Iraq
Middle East's painter-princess finally gets her due The artistic legacy of Fahrelnissa Zeid, an interesting figure of early Turkish modern art, gets spotlight back on the international art stage through a series of exhibitions in Istanbul, London, Berlin and Beirut. Turkey
