US pressure on Hamas risks new era of enmity As Washington moves forward on sanctions to pressure Hamas to accept a US-brokered deal with Israel, the efforts could backfire and spark new violence. Palestine
Congress skeptical of Saudi nuclear energy demands Lawmakers are making it clear that any proposal to share civilian nuclear technology with Saudi Arabia must include robust nonproliferation safeguards. Saudi Arabia
US hits deadlock in Lebanon-Israel border mediation Renewed tension over the demarcation of the maritime border between Israel and Lebanon has the United States engaged in shuttle diplomacy between the countries. Israel
Al-Qaeda could stand to gain from changing Syrian situation Divergent goals of the major players in Syria, along with the apparent evolution of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham Islamist group, could all wind up strengthening al-Qaeda. Syria
Life sentences for Turkish journalists chill others awaiting verdicts A court jailed three prominent journalists last week to life imprisonment, stoking fears that others in prison for their work may also see harsh penalties. Turkey
Iranian authorities, Sufi leader move toward reconciliation The Iranian authorities and Gonabadi dervishes seem to be moving toward reconciliation following deadly clashes in Tehran. Iran
Why Iran doesn’t want escalation in Syria Contrary to the narrative that Iran wants to drag Israel into the Syrian war, Tehran appears to have no incentive to do so. Israel
Is Erdogan using imprisoned foreigners as bargaining chips? A reporter for Germany's Die Welt newspaper was recently released after a year in prison with no trial, but Turkey is likely to continue detaining foreigners for political bargaining. Turkey
Syria's Eastern Ghouta faces 'another Aleppo' The monthslong fierce offensive launched by Syrian regime forces on the besieged rebel-held enclave of Eastern Ghouta near Damascus has left scores of civilians dead and has depleted the resources for medical staff to treat the injured. Syria
Turkey works to secure its future relevance in Syria Turkey’s efforts to make progress in Operation Olive Branch while working on new Syrian de-escalation monitoring outposts east of Idlib may increase military risks, but they keep Turkey in the game. Syria
Conference for Iraq draws investors instead of donors The reported success — and failure — of a fundraising effort for Iraq could become a political football in the May general elections. Saudi Arabia
How my hometown became major smuggling route in Libya Libya's interior has become a hub for human smugglers who utilize the uncontrolled roads to transport migrants wishing to travel to Europe by sea. Libya
Egyptians petition for home schooling recognition An increasing number of families in Egypt are choosing home schooling as an alternative educational approach and are calling on the Ministry of Education to recognize it. Egypt
Has Gaza joined the axis of resistance? Palestinian factions, with the exception of Fatah, are threatening to open a Gaza front against Israel if it goes to war in Syria, Lebanon or Iran. Palestine
Police closing in on Netanyahu With the former director general of the Ministry of Communications, Shlomo Filber, as a state witness, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to be indicted and even convicted. Israel
Makeshift school teaches marketable skills in Cairo slum With paltry government support, the Stabl Antar Dream School is providing both a basic education and vocational training to the children of a shantytown in south Cairo. Egypt
