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. United States
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. United States
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
Born in the wrong place: Europe's Islamic State offspring With the Islamic State defeated in Iraq and Syria, parents and relatives of European women and children who joined members of the terrorist organization there are calling on their governments to help facilitate the return of the children to their home countries. Iraq
Cairo taps World Bank to mediate Ethiopian dam dispute Cairo's proposal to bring in the World Bank as a neutral intermediary in the Renaissance Dam negotiations with Ethiopia and Sudan is a serious attempt to overcome obstacles and influence the international community. Egypt
Egypt poised to approve changes to citizenship law Amendments to Egypt’s citizenship law could be approved amid fears they would be used to repress the regime’s opposition. Egypt
