Developing PKK kidnapping story concerns KRG officials As new details paint a much more intricate picture of the Turkish spy incident in Iraqi Kurdistan, the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK)'s operations there threaten to complicate the job of the Kurdistan Regional Government. Turkey
Iran keeping watchful eye on Iraqi Kurdistan, Israel Tehran openly opposes Iraqi Kurdistan's upcoming independence referendum, but many observers feel Iran is actually taking measures to counter Israeli actions in the Kurdish region. Iraq
Arabs and Jews unite against Netanyahu's divide and rule tactics Jewish and Arab activists are mobilizing to stop discriminatory and divisive policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Palestine
What Trump really wants for the Mideast The unrealistic statements by US envoy Jason Greenblatt about the Palestinian Authority's ruling the Gaza Strip again might indicate that US President Donald Trump does not have a realistic plan for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestine
Egypt's alimony reform debate begins before bill is introduced A parliament member is looking to expedite the yearslong process Egyptian women often must go through to receive alimony when they file for divorce. Egypt
As Qatar-Bahrain rift widens, economic costs emerge Qatar’s economic and geopolitical separation from Bahrain and other GCC states will come with economic costs. Bahrain
After years of sanctions, Persian rugs back to brighten world markets Iran’s world-renowned handwoven carpets are already making a strong comeback in global markets following the lifting of sanctions. Iran
New industrial policy poised to transform Iran’s political economy Iran’s lighter fingerprints on foreign investment and enterprise are gearing things up for a transformation of the country’s political economy. Iran
Arab artists show Amman's true colors Young artists bring color to Amman’s grayness with graffiti and lively street art, but they’d be wise to refrain from political slogans Jordan
Pro-Iranian Shiite factions lose popular support in Iraq The recent agreement between Hezbollah and a group of pro-Islamic State fighters to arrange their evacuation from the Lebanese-Syrian border to the Syrian-Iraqi border triggered an outburst of public anger against Hezbollah and Iraqi factions fighting alongside Hezbollah on Syrian territory for years. Iraq
Turkey adds to its critical deficit of military pilots As Turkey's military pilot shortage worsens, the government is ordering former pilots back into service on short notice. Turkey
Iran plays Hamas card Iran's improved relations with Turkey, Qatar and Hamas send a message to the region. Palestine
Israel slow to recalibrate on Syria Israel's original assessment of the Syrian war is no longer relevant, and the state must make strategic changes to face the threat of the regime, which is likely to remain in power with Iran's patronage. Israel
Are Yemeni rebels imploding? Saudi Arabia's hope to exit the Yemen scene could depend largely on Ali Abdullah Saleh and the Yemeni rebel factions' falling apart. Saudi Arabia
How Islamic State is undermining peace prospects in Libya As Libya’s rival parties are moving forward toward a political solution, it seems that the Islamic State and other extremist organizations are re-emerging on the internal scene in a bid to torpedo any such efforts for peace. Libya
PA worries Egyptian aid to Hamas prolongs Palestinian division Gaza is in desperate need of Egyptian aid such as diesel fuel supplies and a planned free-trade zone, but some in Ramallah fear that if Gaza's financial crisis eases too much, Hamas will be less motivated to reconcile. Palestine
