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. Egypt
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. Iraq
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. Palestine
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. 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. Israel
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. Israel
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. Palestine
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. Egypt
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. Iran
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. United States
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. Iraq
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. Israel
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. Iran
Is interior minister deceiving Israelis about deportation of migrants? Israeli Interior Minister Aryeh Deri claims that additional working permits will be issued for Palestinians to replace deported African migrants. Palestine
Pentagon plays down Russian influence in Syria after clash with US-backed forces Secretary of Defense James Mattis insisted that Moscow had little control over Syrian troops that attacked US allies; Mattis also dismissed fears that the United States is getting dragged into another Middle East war. Syria
Egypt imposes travel restrictions on journalists Reporters for state-run newspapers in Egypt will now have to get permission from the government to travel to certain countries. Egypt
