Opposition leader implores US not to abandon Syria to Russia and Iran The new leader of the Syrian national coalition shared with Al-Monitor his plans for lobbying the Trump administration during his first visit to Washington. Syria
Turkish prison cannot stifle Kurdish journalist's art Imprisoned over her painting of the destruction of Nusaybin, Kurdish Turkish journalist and artist Zehra Dogan continues to produce provocative art that is smuggled to the world outside. Turkey
IRGC commander rules out war between Iran, US The commander of the Revolutionary Guards said a war between Tehran and the United States was impossible, citing US fear of the consequences. United States
Saudi crown prince rattles Turkish Islamists Supporters of Turkey’s Islamist government claim Mohammed bin Salman’s aim to push for moderate Islam in Saudi Arabia is motivated by US imperial designs against Muslims. Saudi Arabia
Netanyahu's half-truth The speech delivered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the opening of the Knesset’s winter session indicates that being at the top for too long has impeded his ability to look down. Israel
Is Israel really implementing economic aid to Palestinians? Palestinians argue that Israel has not implemented the economic aid measures it has promised, apart from finalizing the already authorized Hebron industrial park. Palestine
US project aims to improve water access for Palestinian farmers The US consulate in Jerusalem launched a $10 million water project to increase Palestinian farmers' access to treated irrigation water. Palestine
Former Salafi cleric stuns Morocco with calls for gender equality Since his release from prison in Morocco, former hardcore Salafist Mohamed Abdelwahab al-Rafiqi has become a controversial figure with his calls for equality in inheritance rights. Morocco
Is an Egyptian version of UNESCO in the making? After losing in the runoff to the top post at UNESCO, Moushira Khattab proposed the establishment of an Egyptian UNESCO to help promote culture, education and heritage. Egypt
Is Netanyahu plotting early elections? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is confident that if he announces early elections, he would win another mandate. Israel
Iranian VP tainted by brother's corruption charges Corruption allegations involving his brother are threatening the promising political prospects of Iran's First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri. Iran
Kurdish crisis imperils US anti-terror fight in Syria The dispute between Baghdad and Erbil threatens a key border crossing used to resupply US-backed troops battling the Islamic State in Syria. Iraq
Iraq's clairvoyants see fame, fortune — for themselves The practice of magic and sorcery has become widespread in Iraq as TV channels give them a platform and people pay huge amounts for quick remedies and potions. Iraq
Iranian academics clash on how to deal with Trump While Iranian academic elites broadly condemn the Trump administration’s approach toward the nuclear deal, they differ on how Tehran should respond to Washington’s measures. Iran
Iran: Trump requested Rouhani meeting in New York Iranian media and the Foreign Ministry claim that US President Donald Trump requested a meeting with President Hassan Rouhani. United States
Ankara still frosty toward KRG as Barzani exits Despite the decision by the Kurdistan Regional Government's President Masoud Barzani to step down, Turkish hostility toward him and his likely political successors has not abated. Iraq
