Turkey-PKK 'drone wars' escalate The armed conflict between Turkey and the PKK has been rapidly becoming drone-centric, with this dynamic radically altering the basic characteristics of this conflict while amassing legal and moral issues. By Metin Gurcan
Iran faces challenges realizing natural gas potential Until last year, Iran's natural gas production was almost entirely consumed domestically. Now it is set to exponentially increase natural gas exports in coming years, but not without challenges. By Bijan Khajehpour In Vienna, reporting on Iranian politics
Khamenei says Iran will respond to nuclear deal violations Iran’s supreme leader warned of a response if the United States walks away from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. By Al-Monitor Staff
Dahlan's influence key to Fatah-Hamas reconciliation Though he has no official standing, former Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan's fundraising activities and influence guarantee a central role for him in any reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah. By Shlomi Eldar
Turkish FM says KRG referendum 'big mistake' In an interview with Al-Monitor, Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu speaks about the upcoming independence vote in Iraqi Kurdistan, Turkish-EU relations and expanding cooperation with Russia. By Al-Monitor Staff
How Lebanese are countering racist attacks The Anti-Racism Movement is standing up for victims of racism in Lebanon by providing assistance and support and exposing racist behavior in the country. By Florence Massena (Lebanon Pulse)
Russia takes renewed interest in Palestine Russia seems to be increasing its cooperation with the Palestinians recently in several areas, including the economy, politics and tourism. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Bahrain goes public with shifting stance on Israel The statement by Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa condemning the Arab boycott on Israel publicly exposes the state’s change of attitude toward Israel and the ongoing contact between the two countries. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Police show Gaza women how to stay safe online In cooperation with a cultural association, Gaza's female police unit is running a campaign to educate Palestinians about the dangers of online exploitation. By Rasha Abou Jalal In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
These three leaders are reshaping Israel's political scene Three Israeli politicians shaped the Jewish year 5777 and are likely to play an even bigger part in the coming year too: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, new Labor Party Chairman Avi Gabbay and Minister of Justice Ayelet Shaked. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Netanyahu versus Israel The gatekeepers of Israel’s democracy are engaged in a dramatic battle against the camp of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the future of the state and the society. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Russia sees Saudi Arabia as 'gatekeeper' to Mideast Russian officials say Saudi Arabian King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud is coming to Moscow for a visit, but the kingdom has been playing coy, perhaps as a bargaining tactic. By Paul J. Saunders
How Russia views OPEC The fate of Moscow’s participation in an agreement by OPEC and non-OPEC members to limit production is still unclear and, in spite of existing predictions, Russia may pull out of the deal after March 2018. By Nikolay Kozhanov
Iraqi Kurdistan's young sportsmen put on gloves Fighters from all over Iraq and Lebanon compete in the first mixed martial arts tournament in Erbil. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Trump, Netanyahu risk being party of two in opposition to Iran nuclear deal US and Israeli leaders may find themselves, rather than Iran, isolated in questioning a solid international consensus on Iran, as attention turns to Syria. By Week in Review
Much ado in the Mideast: 3 theories on Russia’s Syria trips Russia’s calendar has been packed with official trips to and from the Middle East, raising speculation about new military developments in Syria. By Maxim A. Suchkov