Syria's Arab, Kurdish women join forces to fight for future Scores of Arab women are joining the Kurdish Women’s Protection Units in Syria as they see an opportunity to improve their lives and the lives of future generations of women. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Baghdad looks to take control of KRG oil The federal government in Baghdad seeks to extend its full control over all oil wells in the disputed areas between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region, even those within the region. By Adnan Abu Zeed
'Gaza Tourist' journeys through heritage and lives A young Palestinian hikes and bikes around Gaza to explore its cultural and historical heritage and landscape and share its beauty and traditions with others. By Tamam Mohsen
'Terrorist rehab' opens its doors in northern Syria An anti-radicalism center has opened its doors in northern Aleppo and is aimed at rehabilitating young people indoctrinated by extremist groups such as the Islamic State. By Khaled al-Khateb
Palestinian Authority showing Dahlan-era officers the door Security-related issues could challenge the Palestinian reconciliation if Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas continues purging security force members who were appointed by rival Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan. By Ahmad Abu Amer
Jordan continues olive exports to Israel despite objections Some Jordanians condemn the country's export of olives to Israel, saying it hurts the local economy while helping Israel. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Israeli media play game of polls Despite flattering polls for Labor Party Chair Avi Gabbay, it is too early to say that there has been a change in the breakdown of the rival blocs. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
After Hariri’s resignation, what’s next for Lebanon? Saad Hariri, in Saudi Arabia, resigns as Lebanon's prime minister, leaving observers to wonder why and speculate about Lebanon's future. By Joe Macaron
Putin, Khamenei agree they need each other Iran and Russia deepen energy cooperation; Iran has Hezbollah’s back; does the CIA have a back channel to Assad? By Week in Review
High stakes as Saudi crown prince tries to remove opponents Saudi Arabia's uncertain future has not become any more stable with the recent removal of 11 princes from their positions in power. By Bruce Riedel
Washington silent on report US official went to Damascus The CIA declined to comment on a report that a US official went to Damascus this week to discuss US citizens believed detained in Syria. By Laura Rozen
How Iran can address its informal economy Without massive reforms involving all three branches of government, Iran's ability to formalize vast swathes of its economy will remain a pipe dream. By Bijan Khajehpour In Vienna, reporting on Iranian politics
Iran’s Khamenei has three main messages for Putin at summit Tehran wants to strengthen existing ties with Russia and develop new areas of cooperation while isolating the United States at the same time. By Maxim A. Suchkov
Turkey's leg of the Silk Road could be smoother Turkish officials are playing up the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway as a segment of the new Silk Road linking Beijing to London, but there are many bumps yet to come along the way. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
Culture Alert: November the month for contemporary art, photography Several major art events are entering their final weeks and months in the region. By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir, reporting on culture
Gazan women to join PA army President Mahmoud Abbas approved Oct. 17 women enlisting in the Palestinian Authority security services in the Gaza Strip. By Rasha Abou Jalal In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict