Israeli lawmakers use provocation to win popularity With provocation becoming the new media’s lifeblood, the Knesset’s ethics committee is struggling to chastise outrageous behavior by Israeli lawmakers. Israel
With countering migration in mind, Italy to deploy troops to North Africa As elections are approaching in Italy, questions arise about why parliament approved the increase of Italian troops in North Africa. North Africa
Hamas chief's inclusion on US terror list will further derail peace efforts By adding moderate Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh to its terror list, the United States is signaling further escalation in the political brinkmanship game that aims at imposing a political solution to the Palestinian conflict rather than negotiating one. Israel
Beirut's movie boycott hurts Lebanon more than Israel Several big-name films have been banned in the past two years in Lebanon, and some say the censorship is outdated, haphazard and harmful to the country's own film industry. Israel
Are Iraqi Mandaeans better off in Jordan? Because of discrimination, Iraq’s Mandaeans practice their religion in secrecy in Jordan. Iraq
Al-Bab transformed by influx of Syria's displaced A large number of displaced Syrians from all over the country have fled to al-Bab, bringing with them their diverse cultures and traditions. Syria
Israel presses Russia to help contain 'Iranian threat' Israel is looking to Russia to help dial back Iran's ambitions to expand its presence and influence. Israel
Gaza youth debate political, social issues Several youth debate initiatives in the Gaza Strip are encouraging young Palestinians to question partisan thinking, collect facts and consider other points of view. Palestine
Girls of Jerusalem ensemble gets Palestinian voices heard A girls’ ensemble in East Jerusalem uses both traditional and Western musical instruments to perform traditional songs of Palestine. Palestine
Saudis see opportunities in helping to rebuild Iraq Riyadh's role in restoring Iraq's war-torn areas will play up Saudi Arabia's presence there and, the Saudis hope, help stop the spread of Iran's influence. Saudi Arabia
US warns of renewed Syria gas attacks The White House has warned it could take action against Damascus if reported gas attacks continue. Syria
Off The Hookah with Phil and Cooper Episode #039: The Road to Rojava (feat. Metin Gurcan) Phil & Cooper
Latest Iran poll suggests Trump rhetoric benefits hard-liners The new poll also highlights Iranians' preoccupation with corruption, unemployment and climate change. U.S.
MBS plans first US visit since becoming Saudi crown prince Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation is high on the agenda for the upcoming trip. Saudi Arabia
Turkey resumes pressure on US Consulate staff With the interrogation of another local US Consulate employee, Turkey appears to have broken its promise not to hound staff without notifying the American authorities in a move that could trigger targeted visa sanctions against Turkish officials deemed to be involved. Turkey
Abbas’ gift to Netanyahu The Palestinian refusal to return to the negotiating table with Israel to discuss a permanent solution to the conflict has freed Israel of its debt to the Americans for their recognition of Jerusalem. Palestine