Kidnapping business thrives in Libya Kidnappings are on the rise in Libya, with hundreds who have disappeared since the overthrow of Moammar Gadhafi’s regime in 2011, while the UN-backed Government of National Accord does not seem to be offering much help. Libya
Syrian opposition seeks to clamp down on looting in Afrin The Syrian armed opposition has taken steps to curb looting in Afrin by some of its members and has promised residents that it will recover and return their stolen property. Syria
IDF unfazed by challenges of integration Despite objections from religious quarters and the logistical hurdles they pose, the IDF has no intention to end the integration of women into fighting roles. Israel
Virtual zoo app brings animals to Gazans As Gaza's actual zoos struggle, a group of students have developed an app that creates a virtual version. Palestine
What's behind Israeli police chief’s interview frenzy? The latest interviews granted by Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh to news outlets identified with the right have raised concerns that his efforts to protect his image could have unintended consequences. Israel
Can new TV network boost Cairo's role in Africa? A new government-supervised TV channel will focus on news and issues related to the African continent, but some fear its real purpose is to promote Cairo's interests. Egypt
Does Israel need France more than France needs Israel? Meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu preferred to focus on common battles rather than preserving the nuclear deal with Iran, the main mission for Le Drian's visit. Israel
Orthodox Israelis dance to tune of tradition A modern dance troupe composed of religious Jewish men is forcing the ultra-Orthodox community to confront questions of art and self-expression. Israel
Egypt seeks Arab League seat for controversial South Sudan For the first time since it seceded from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has publicly declared its desire to join the Arab League. Egypt
Palestinian women celebrate legal win with eye toward greater victories Palestinian women welcome their government's move to change a handful of laws that are unfair to women, but the road to full equality is still very long. Palestine
Iraqi courts seeking out atheists for prosecution Atheism is increasing among young people in Iraq, which some are blaming on Islamic parties' mismanagement of the country. Iraq
Russia, Qatar explore partnership potential Qatar and Russia both stand to benefit in the Middle East from closer relations: Russia needs Arab street cred and Qatar needs all the friends it can get. Saudi Arabia
Congress threatens to cut UN funding for voting against Israel President Donald Trump and Congress are on the same page with a new law that would cut US funding for UN agencies deemed insufficiently supportive of Israel. Palestine
Pentagon: US refueling cuts civilian deaths in Yemen US Defense Secretary James Mattis defended the Pentagon’s refueling role in Yemen on Tuesday, saying the plan helps the Saudi-led coalition cut down on civilian casualties in the war-torn country. Saudi Arabia
Syrian Kurdish forces cede Tell Rifaat, claims Turkish press Ankara is already celebrating its victory over the Syrian Kurdish militia in Tell Rifaat today as dreams of a corridor under Kurdish control evaporate. Syria
Israelis, Palestinians both use demography as political tool The aspirations of the political right to annex West Bank lands have never been more obvious, as reflected in this week’s stormy Knesset committee debate about Jewish-Arab demography. Palestine
