Lebanese women entrepreneurs push for success The Lebanese League for Women in Business is launching projects encouraging women to open their own businesses. Lebanon
How the Syrian army is working to gain control of road to Raqqa The Syrian regime army took control of Hama’s eastern countryside from the Islamic State, which opened a road toward eastern Syria and areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces. Syria
Syrian opposition 'interim government' takes control of Bab al-Salameh border crossing The Free Syrian Army has handed over the administration of the Bab al-Salameh border crossing with Turkey to the co-called Syrian Interim Government, in what could positively impact the opposition on many levels. Syria
Young Gazans mobilize to save Palestine's oldest archaeological site A youth movement emerges spontaneously to prevent the demolition of Tall al-Sakan, the oldest archaeological site in Gaza. Palestine
Palestinian reconciliation takes its toll on new PA budget The Palestinian reconciliation will require a substantial increase in the PA budget, including new hires for security and resolving the ongoing crisis involving civil servants appointed by Hamas. Palestine
Netanyahu sidelines far-right ideology of assassinated minister Speaking at the memorial day for assassinated politician Rehavam Zeevi, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chose to ignore Zeevi’s racist ideology and accusations of sexual misconduct. Palestine
Hamas backtracks on charter changes Bellicose statements by some Hamas leaders appear to suggest the organizations' new leadership is tossing aside recent changes to its charter. Palestine
Can Meretz Party change Israeli left? With Labor head Avi Gabbay veering to the right, Meretz faces both handicaps and opportunities leading the center-left political bloc. Israel
US welcomes Kurdish backpedaling The United States sees a way out of the political crisis between Baghdad and Erbil as the Kurdistan Regional Government offers to suspend the results of its independence referendum and open dialogue. Iraq
Pentagon says Iraqi flight ban won’t impact US military assistance to Kurds US arms are getting through to the peshmerga, but crucial aid contractors are getting held up. Iraq
Abadi, Erdogan meet to form Kurdistan game plan Iraq's prime minister met with Turkey's president in Ankara today to solidify joint support for Baghdad as it battles to keep the Kurdistan region under Iraqi control. Iraq
Amid crisis with Erbil, Baghdad launches Kurdish TV programming Baghdad launches a Kurdish TV segment in an attempt to have direct contact with Kurdistan Region residents. Iraq
Trump undermines Iranian debate on economic role of IRGC Rather than isolating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Trump administration’s targeting of the organization in effect stymies ongoing attempts to curtail its role within the Iranian economy. Iran
Kurdish crisis could benefit Iran-Turkey-Russia energy deal As markets react to Iraq's reclamation of Kirkuk oil fields, other countries stand ready to take advantage of opportunities being created for energy producers. Iraq
Iranian leader refuses any negotiation over ballistic missiles Iran’s supreme leader reacted to US officials’ recent talk about limits on Tehran’s ballistic missile program, saying the Islamic Republic’s missile power is non-negotiable. Iran
Talented Palestinian youths find opportunity in national student orchestra A project co-sponsored by the Ministry of Education and An-Najah National University will enable musically talented youths to find a platform to develop their talent. Palestine
