Anbar governor thanks PMUs, tells them to get out The new governor of Anbar province faces critical challenges regarding providing services to the recently liberated area from the Islamic State and dealing with the Shiite Popular Mobilization Units coming from outside the province. By Shelly Kittleson
Women's campaigns flourish beyond Iran protests The spread of several social campaigns for women's empowerment in Iran are challenging the perception that their role in the Iranian protests was only about standing up against compulsory hijab. By Stefania D'Ignoti
Syrian opposition iced out of White House The Donald Trump administration held off on the opportunity to talk to Syrian opposition officials in town this week even as it outlined a tougher stance against Bashar al-Assad. By Jack Detsch
Off The Hookah with Phil and Cooper Episode #037: One Night in Sochi and the World’s Your Oyster (feat. Max Suchkov) Phil & Cooper
Tillerson says US troops to stay in Syria; US huddles with allies over Sochi Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the US military will stay in Syria to prevent the return of the Islamic State, deter Iran and bolster post-war diplomatic efforts. By Laura Rozen
Women start filling up tanks at Gaza gas station Marking a first in the Gaza Strip, a gas station manager is employing women despite the criticism. By Amjad Yaghi
War rages in Turkish media in anticipation of military operation News outlets loyal to the Turkish state and sympathetic to the Kurds are each busy framing the conflict ahead of possible Turkish military moves against Syrian Kurds. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Will Erdogan defy Russia, US over Afrin? Turkey’s plan to launch an operation to take Syria's Afrin faces major difficulties, yet if Erdogan succeeds even partially it will boost his image at home. By Semih Idiz
How Rouhani can combat corruption in Iran's budget The Rouhani administration’s shift toward performance-based budgeting could pave the way for a parallel reduction of corruption along with better addressing of grievances. By Bijan Khajehpour In Vienna, reporting on Iranian politics
Rouhani unblocks Telegram; hard-liners send message Iran’s president is under fire from hard-liners for unblocking a popular messaging app. By Al-Monitor Staff
Hosting Syria talks in Sochi presents challenges for Russia There's plenty of suspicion and finger-pointing to go around leading up to the Syria peace talks in Sochi this month. By Maxim A. Suchkov
Israel dismisses Abbas' threats to end security coordination Israeli sources estimate that by delivering a fiery speech before the Palestinian Central Council in which he promised to cut security coordination with Israel, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas cornered himself with promises to his people that he cannot fulfill. By Shlomi Eldar
Turkish civilians arm themselves ahead of crucial 2019 polls As a critical election cycle looms next year, alarm is growing in Turkey over individual armament, especially in pro-government quarters where some have formed dubious groups and openly called on peers to arm themselves. By Zulfikar Dogan
Can Netanyahu scratch Americans from Jewish roster? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made his choice of siding with the ultra-Orthodox against US Reform and Conservative Jews. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Tribute band carries legacy of Egyptian-Italian icon Egyptian band Monde Dalida rises to the task of passing on the legacy of the Egyptian-born singer to the next generation. By Salwa Samir In Giza, reporting on politics
Another general 'testing the waters' of Egypt's presidential race Gen. Sami Anan has reportedly announced his candidacy in the upcoming Egyptian presidential elections, but there is some doubt being cast about his intention to run. By Ahmed Youness