A new refugee flow to Europe: Turkish refugees The mass arrests in Turkey after the failed coup in July 2016 have prompted many Turks to flee their country for Europe. Turkey
Will Israel cut Palestinian budget for terror payouts? Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman and other Israeli politicians claim that the stipends paid to Palestinian prisoners in Israel and their families constitute incitement to terror. Palestine
Gas deal haunts Netanyahu again amid strip club recording scandal The scandalous audiotape of Yair Netanyahu must be examined by the legal authorities to see if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acted wrongfully when authorizing the 2015 natural gas deal. Israel
Iran's aid to militant groups not going anywhere despite protests Although groups funded by Iran throughout the region have refrained from expressing a stance on Iran’s protests, it's believed that Iran is unlikely to cut or halt such aid even as protesters demand ending the support. Palestine
Palestinian artist draws vivid picture of women's suffering, rage Palestinian artist Hanaa Hamash pays homage through her artworks to the Palestinian women living under occupation. Palestine
Palestinian leadership faces monumental decisions The Palestinian Central Council faces some tough choices when it meets in Ramallah, but it is unclear what consensus can be reached on. Palestine
Women’s organizations in northern Syria have come a long way Although women’s organizations are successfully raising awareness about women’s rights and the need to fight sexual violence and crimes in north Syria, challenges represented by a patriarchal society remain. Syria
Palestinian national dish fuels Al-Aqsa protests Maqluba, the beloved Palestinian dish, has become a tradition of the protests in Jerusalem and elsewhere, reinforcing Palestinian community and solidarity. Palestine
US sanctions hinder Iranian protesters’ ability to organize online As the Iranian protests die down, hawkish lawmakers and dovish advocates are united in their concern that US sanctions are inhibiting protesters’ ability to organize. U.S.
Do improved ties with France, Germany signal end to Turkey’s EU bid? Turkish liberals lament the state of Ankara-EU relations, but pro-government analysts believe developing practical ties with key European powers is better than waiting at the EU’s door. Turkey
Russia, Iran must 'stop the regime' in Idlib, pleads Turkish FM Turkey’s Foreign Ministry has ramped up diplomatic efforts to get the Syrian government to halt its offensive in Idlib. Syria
Iran’s judiciary moves to radically cut executions Iran’s judiciary chief has ordered a halt to executions of people convicted of most drug-related crimes. U.S.
Turks up in arms over religious green light for 9-year-old brides Huge public outrage forces Turkey’s top Islamic authority to step back from its endorsement of marriage for girls as young as age 9. Turkey
Rouhani’s bad news budget The Rouhani administration’s proposed budget for the coming Iranian year is set to be contractionary in real terms and could lead to a credit crunch. Iran
Armed Kurdish groups want disputed territory back in Iraq New Kurdish militias are forming from the remnants of defunct ones to renew the fight with the Iraqi army and the Popular Mobilization Units. Iraq
Netanyahu's 'family values' The recent scandal involving Yair Netanyahu, son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, renews questions about the Israeli leader's handling of a lucrative natural gas deal. Israel