Why Netanyahu actually supports Palestinian reconciliation Israel has yet to decide whether Palestinian reconciliation is good or bad for its national strategic interests. Palestine
Rift between Israel, US Jews deepens Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely's scandalous words, belittling the attachment of American Jewry to Israel, finally brought the drama of the Israel-US Jewry rift onto the Israeli public agenda. Israel
50,000 Syrians on Jordan's border trapped in world power struggle European and other officials are calling on Jordan to facilitate food transfers to Rukban, where some 50,000 displaced Syrians are being denied adequate aid. Jordan
Battle may be brewing in Sinai between al-Qaeda, IS groups As Egypt continues efforts to suppress violence in the Sinai Peninsula, a small band of al-Qaeda followers is looking to grow and challenge both Egypt's army and Islamic State loyalists. Egypt
Turks explore Ottoman past in visits to Jerusalem Turkish pilgrims and visitors are increasingly heading to Jerusalem, following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's call on Muslims to visit the holy city. Palestine
Why did Hariri go to Cairo before returning home to Lebanon? To spare the Middle East another battleground, Cairo played a role in containing the crisis of the resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Saudi Arabia
Palestinian artist urges women to talk about sexual harassment A project by artist Yasmeen Mjalli encourages Palestinian women to raise their voices against sexual harassment and abuse. Palestine
Is Saudi crown prince winning or losing in the Middle East? With Saad Hariri staying on as prime minister in Lebanon, the Saudi crown prince has suffered another setback in his efforts to counter Iran. Saudi Arabia
Second Turkish city makes UNESCO gastronomy list Now that it boasts a second city, Hatay, in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, Turkey’s tourism leaders are hoping to lure back Western tourists with their country's gastronomic delights. Turkey
Egyptian authorities clamp down on 'Sisi's balls' Egyptian toy stores were delighted when a cheap toy came back into fashion — until they discovered that selling it could land you in jail. Egypt
Proposed US sanctions on PMU put Iraq in tough spot Proposed sanctions against factions of the Shiite-dominated Popular Mobilization Units would place the Iraqi government squarely in the middle of a tug of war between Iran and the United States. Iraq
PLO office closure threat could be last straw for Palestinians Though it was reversed just a week later, the US decision to close the PLO office in Washington led to increased calls for the Palestinians to move ahead with more unilateral actions. Palestine
Imprudent foreign financing could jeopardize Iran’s economy Contrary to common wisdom, not all foreign financing, especially the type currently trickling into Iran, is good for state finances and the country’s economy. Iran
Abbas under pressure to accept Trump's 'ultimate' deal The United States is making efforts to push US President Donald Trump's vision for the Palestinian-Israeli peace process using Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a pressure point. Saudi Arabia
New phone app helps Egyptian women fight sexual harassment A group of young Egyptians has developed a mobile phone app to fight sexual harassment by helping women identify and avoid harassment as well as deal with its aftermath. Egypt
Does Tunisia's police protection bill go too far? A draft law on preventing attacks against Tunisia's police forces has raised red flags, with some arguing it would undermine human rights and allow police to operate with impunity. Tunisia
