Interview Can Cairo talks succeed in uniting Libya's divided armed forces? In an interview with Al-Monitor, the spokesman for the Libyan armed forces led by Gen. Khalifa Hifter speaks about the UN-sponsored elections and Egyptian efforts to unite the army, as Libya further sinks into chaos and division. Khalifa Hifter Commander of the Libyan National Army
Abbas turns to Moscow in search for new Mideast mediator Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has stepped up his diplomatic offensive to secure support for international sponsorship of the peace process. Palestine
Rights coalition takes on female genital mutilation in Egypt Amid high rates of female genital mutilation in Egypt, women's and human rights organizations have come together in a campaign to educate the public and enforce laws against the practice. Egypt
No chance for peace while settlers dream of holy war Messianic settlers are exploiting the deaths of those killed in violent attacks as excuses to build ever more settlements and claim all of the West Bank. Palestine
Turkey’s graffiti artists: businessmen by day, rebels at night Turkey’s graffiti artists have started taking their work not only to the museums and art galleries, but also to the corporate world. Turkey
Iraq's gazelles under threat from illegal traffickers Iraq tries to increase the number of its endangered Goitered Gazelles by placing them in reserves, but lack of funding remains a challenge. Iraq
Trump seeks to slash funding for UN missions in Mideast The State Department budget is seeking across-the-board cuts to international peacekeeping missions worldwide. Lebanon
Pentagon budget retains same troop levels in Iraq, Syria The Donald Trump administration’s new budget for the Pentagon leaves in place nearly 6,000 US troops in Iraq and Syria. Iraq
Rouhani suggests direct public vote to end political gridlock Iranian President Hassan Rouhani proposes referendum to decide path forward for Iran. Iran
Iran, Azerbaijan warm up ties after years of frost While Iran and Azerbaijan have had relatively chilly relations in past decades, the two neighbors finally appear to be on the path to closer ties. Iran
Turkey's new nationalism paints West as oppressor A new report by an American think tank suggests that the nationalism sweeping Turkey is an old and successful tactic of promoting a siege mentality that translates to tight control and votes for authoritarian leaders. Turkey
US, Turkey could be on collision course in Syria Neither side is backing down as Ankara and Washington exchange tough talk over potential confrontations in Syria. Syria
Israeli Arab lawmakers launch response to Jewish state bill Amid claims that the Nationality law would secure Israel's position as the state of the Jewish people at the expense of its democratic values, Israeli Arab lawmakers are advancing a democracy bill for equal rights. Palestine
Turkey's quest for EU visa waiver more likely to cause strife than progress Turkey has renewed efforts to get a visa waiver from the European Union, but the move could result in fresh tensions, as many in Europe remain incensed over Ankara’s human rights record. Turkey
Global spy malware traced back to Lebanese security A recent report revealed that a malware campaign was mainly being operated by Lebanon's General Directorate of General Security, raising questions about the privacy of the country's citizens. Lebanon
Long-awaited bankruptcy law sparks optimism in Egypt The Egyptian parliament passed a new bankruptcy law to regulate the restructuring of viable but troubled companies, in a move experts say will boost the economy. Egypt
