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. By Florence Massena (Lebanon Pulse)
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. By Mohammed Magdy In Berlin, reporting on Egyptian politics
Egypt opposition still far from unity to challenge regime While Egypt's opposition forces face common challenges, they still lack impetus to forge an alliance against the government due to several ideological and personal differences. By Karim Assaad
Is the sun setting on KDP-PUK dominance in Iraqi Kurdistan? Poverty, widespread disillusionment and the emergence of new political players could spell the beginning of a new political era in Iraqi Kurdistan. By Fazel Hawramy (Iraq Pulse)
Will removal of Egypt's spy chief leave Palestinians in a bind? Some Palestinians are concerned that the dismissal of the head of the Egyptian intelligence will affect Egypt's ability to mediate their ongoing reconciliation process. By Adnan Abu Amer
Israeli duo takes street art to museums Street artists Nitzan Mintz and Dede, partners in life and art, have taken their artworks from the street to museums and galleries. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
Despite defeat of IS, Syria war risks major power conflict The United States and Russia should abandon "proxy wars" and back a new UN Security Council resolution for a regional peace conference. By Week in Review
Israel, Syria, Iran clash in the skies Israel reacted strongly to the Iranian drone that penetrated its territory and to Syrian fire targeting an Israel Defense Forces jet. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Will EU propose new Mideast initiative? The European Union hopes that minor additions to the Iran nuclear deal might pave the way for greater dialogue with the Trump administration on Iran and the Israeli-Palestinian issue. By Uri Savir
How Egypt's government is responding to calls for election boycott Opposition groups are calling for a boycott of the March presidential elections after all would-be contenders were either jailed, prosecuted or intimidated out of the race. By Shahira Amin
Iranian women steadfast in campaign to attend soccer matches Despite crackdowns and unfulfilled promises by politicians, female soccer fans in Iran continue to protest — and to cross-dress — in their efforts to attend matches at stadiums. By Zahra Alipour
Democrat hawk says he’s sticking by Iran deal after reclaiming top panel spot Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., took back the top spot on the Senate Foreign Relations panel this week after prosecutors dropped corruption charges against him. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Iraq’s Sunnis want PMU out of their cities as elections near Sunni parties are pushing for the withdrawal of factions of the Popular Mobilization Units from Sunni areas for fear they might influence upcoming legislative elections. By Adnan Abu Zeed
Police chief interview plays into Netanyahu’s hands The interview of Israel’s Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh by Channel 2 was oddly premature, shifting the focus away from the investigation expected to lead shortly to recommendations to indict the prime minister. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Iranian graffitists feel walled in The life of a graffiti artist's work can be as short as an hour in Iran, where municipalities wage a determined war on underground street artworks, unless the cities commission the wall paintings. By Zahra Alipour