Can this marathon help Palestinian cause? Several years into its launch, the Palestine Marathon in Bethlehem received recognition from the International Association of Athletics Federations in yet another sporting achievement that conveys to the world that Palestine is capable of organizing such events despite the occupation obstacles. Palestine
Traditional meets modern in Israel's ultra-Orthodox art A new art gallery in the heart of an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood of Jerusalem reflects the sector's changing attitude toward art. Israel
Libya's rogue militias cut capital’s water supply A group of armed men cut off water supplies to the Libyan capital Tripoli, which indicates the fragility of resources in a country plagued by chaos. Libya
Palestinian youth find outlet in new skate park A British charity helped build a skate park in the West Bank village of Jayyous, where Palestinian boys and girls can find an escape from their situation through skateboarding. Palestine
Sanaa’s green spaces ravaged by war Yemen has lost a lot of its trees, shrubs and flowers since the beginning of the war in 2015, in what could make matters worse for Yemenis haunted by the specter of starvation. Yemen
Hamas chief is still talk of the town in Gaza 9 months after election Since his election, new Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has made major decisions that may scare some of the movement. Palestine
US optimistic about Mideast peace deal The US administration will soon publish guidelines for restarting Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Palestine
House leaders neuter anti-war Yemen bill House leadership has watered down a resolution addressing US support for the Saudi-led campaign against the Houthis. Saudi Arabia
Russian summit on Syria raises controversy, doubt The Syrian opposition suspects Russia’s upcoming congress is a ploy to bolster the regime and dilute the United Nations’ influence. Syria
Have Israelis forgotten that Rabin was killed over politics? After years of sidelining the fact that Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin's assassination was politically motivated, his son Yuval Rabin stands up and denounces the political incitement that led to the murder. Israel
Purge of Turkish mayors could hit opposition strongholds Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says legal action could be taken against more mayors if their political parties do not "solve problems themselves." Turkey
Egyptians highlight human rights abuses as government campaign backfires After the Egyptian government encouraged World Youth Forum participants to engage with one another ahead of the conference using the hashtag #WeNeedToTalk, many citizens took the opportunity to call out alleged human rights abuses. Egypt
Iranian negotiator says US bad intentions not limited to Trump The Iranian deputy foreign minister spoke to Iran’s parliament about both the benefits and challenges of the nuclear deal. United States
Zoroastrian takes center stage on Iran’s political scene The suspension of an elected Zoroastrian city council member in central Iran stirs heated debate. Iran
Israel, Hezbollah playing Russian roulette in Syria Russia has managed to prevent confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah in Syria, but will its luck run out in the long term? Israel
Why Turkey’s 'naked art' needs protection Stuck between censorious local authorities and vandals ready to smash what they do not like, statues of nudes are quietly being removed from public spaces. Turkey
