Signs point to early Turkish elections President Recep Tayyip Erdogan may exploit a fractured opposition and a popular military campaign to bring forward presidential and parliament elections, cementing the new powers he won in last year’s referendum. Turkey
Satan's eating habits latest topic of Turkish public debate Turkey’s president allows criticism of the country’s religious authority as long as it serves his purpose. Turkey
Jordan shows off its arsenal in new tank museum Established by King Abdullah's decree a decade ago, the recently opened tank museum in Jordan shows a large collection of local and international armored vehicles. Jordan
Will Israel act against Iran? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu toughened his speech against Iran, but the reality on the ground raises questions as to whether or not the Cabinet will follow up in deeds. Israel
Egypt sends news editors to military academy for 'training' An agreement that calls for top editors of Egyptian newspapers and websites to take mandatory training sessions in media and national security at the Nasser Military Academy has stirred controversy. Egypt
Iran's currency crisis shakes Rouhani’s middle-class base Following the nationwide protests led by the Iranian working class in late December, the return of fluctuations on the foreign exchange market is putting pressure on the minds of middle-class Iranians. Iran
Turkey wants to criminalize adultery Upon instructions from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Justice Ministry is working on new legislation outlawing adultery. Turkey
Rivalry among Iran intelligence bodies spills out into open Presidential adviser Ali Younessi has said that only the Intelligence Ministry is capable of determining who is a spy and criticized other organizations for making their own assessments. Iran
Kirkuk not as liberated from IS as claimed Because of the crisis between Erbil and Baghdad over Kurdish independence, increased attacks by the Islamic State in the Kirkuk province have gone generally unnoticed by the government. Iraq
Israel builds new wall at Lebanon’s southern border Tension is rising on the Lebanese southern border, where Israel has started building a wall, despite UNIFIL’s reassurances that the situation there is under control. Israel
Israeli justice minister's stealthy plan to annex the West Bank Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked is trying to erase the legal separation between Israeli settlers and Palestinians on the West Bank, which would amount to annexation of the occupied territory. Palestine
Unpaid Gaza employees lash out at Qatari ambassador Some hospital maintenance workers who haven't been paid in months expressed their frustration while the Qatari ambassador was visiting the Gaza Strip. Qatar
Gazans sneaking into Israel dodge both IDF, Hamas forces The Palestinian security forces in Gaza are just as tough as the Israelis on the youths who try to cross the border looking for work. Palestine
Israeli right's battle over Netanyahu successor remains behind the scenes With polls showing that the public supports Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite the investigations, his own party members are forced to do the same. Israel
Turkey props up industrial zone in Syria's al-Bab Turkey is helping set up a commercial hub in northern Syria to boost economic development in areas liberated from the Islamic State. Syria
Egyptian men's rights activist sees oppression in female empowerment In a backlash against the women's movement in Egypt, one attorney is demanding the formation of a National Council for Men. Egypt
