Palestinian journalists launch independent online news channel At a time when biased media outlets are a dime a dozen in Palestinian territories, a group of Palestinian journalists in the Gaza Strip decided to launch an independent online news channel that uses Facebook and YouTube to disseminate news items. Palestine
West Bank telecom authorities flounder in flood of Israeli phone tech Increasing numbers of Palestinians are using Israeli SIM cards for better cellular service despite their illegality, and the West Bank's economy and security are paying the price. Palestine
Raqqa win pulls US deeper into Syria conflict The fall of the Islamic State capital could put the US military on a collision course with Assad. Syria
Iraq's female booksellers turn the page on gender roles Iraqi women have started operating their own bookstores in different Iraqi cities, challenging the country's book selling industry that has been dominated by men. Iraq
How Iran helped Baghdad seize back Kirkuk The Iraqi government’s rapid recapture of Kirkuk from Kurdish forces was made possible by Iranian intervention. Iraq
Iran denies role in recapture of Kirkuk Iranian officials and media throw their support behind the Iraqi government’s operation to retake Kirkuk, but deny that the IRGC played any role. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Turkey pledges to back Baghdad against Kurds Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim praised the capture of Kirkuk by Iraqi forces as Turkey continues to express outrage over the Kurdish vote for independence. Iraq
Turkey's return riles Syria: It's 'blatant aggression' Turkey's army has entered Syrian territory ostensibly to implement and ensure a de-escalation zone near Idlib, but some wonder what else the military might have in mind. Syria
Will Turkish-Iraqi alliance against Kurds hold? Ankara is happy that the Baghdad government has regained control over Kirkuk, but questions remain whether Turkey and Iraq can agree on the city’s future status. Iraq
Saudi Arabia’s call for international coalition against Hezbollah faces obstacles A Saudi politician called for the establishment of an international coalition to confront Lebanon’s Hezbollah, a suggestion that did not garner much support, namely in Europe. Saudi Arabia
Israel may regret hasty UNESCO exit Israel reacted quickly to the US announcement that it was pulling out of UNESCO with one of its own, potentially forfeiting an opportunity to shore up its international presence. Qatar
How will Hamas’ new deputy head influence events? The election of Saleh al-Arouri as deputy head of Hamas’ political bureau reflects a shift in the movement toward leaders with strong local ties in the Palestinian territories. Palestine
Israel should practice what it preaches to the Palestinians Instead of risking a three-front war with its current policy of settlement expansion, Israel would do better if its leaders followed through on previous peace initiatives and the commitments it has made in negotiations with the Palestinians. Palestine
Arabs campaign to keep Israel from gaining foothold in Africa After Togo postponed the African-Israel Summit, Arab efforts continue to permanently cancel the event. Egypt
Egypt added to Roman Catholic pilgrimage list Egypt's elated tourism officials are ready to roll out the red carpet for Catholics now that the country has Pope Francis' blessing as a pilgrimage destination. Egypt
Israel's center-left fears opposing Netanyahu on Iran The center-left's flaccid leadership on security and diplomatic issues is once again on display, with pronouncements in line with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's agenda. Israel
