Stakes rise as battle over Abbas’ successor heats up Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' decision to promote Mahmoud al-Aloul as his deputy is perhaps the surest sign yet that the end of the Abbas era is imminent. By Shlomi Eldar
'The Journey': An Iraqi film in Iraqi cinema after 27 years Iraqi cinemas are making a comeback to display Iraqi films commercially, starting with director Mohammed al-Daradji's psychological thriller "The Journey." By Mustafa Saadoun
No light at end of tunnel for Yemen’s economy The Yemeni government and central bank are unable to solve the unpaid salaries crisis of government employees amid an economic crisis that has left devastating humanitarian conditions in the war-torn country. By Mohammed Yahya Gahlan
Israel anti-boycott bill inches closer to passing Senate after revisions A revised anti-boycott bill is gaining traction in the Senate as pro-Israel advocates lobby lawmakers to pass the legislation. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Anti-IS coalition paralyzed as YPG faces Turkey As Turkey's Operation Olive Branch diverts Syrian Kurdish forces from the coalition fighting the Islamic State, a growing number of analysts believe that Washington’s efforts to simultaneously manage Kurdish, Turkish and Russian expectations in Syria are starting to unravel. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iran rejects French FM's call to curb missile program The French foreign minister seemingly failed to persuade Iranian officials to negotiate over their country’s missile program. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israelis, Palestinians consider alternatives to two-state solution Since a two-state solution is no longer feasible, Israelis and Palestinians must focus on other creative ideas to solve the conflict. By Akiva Eldar
Top officials in Netanyahu's party kept in the dark Uncertainty within the Likud Party is growing as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not share with party seniors his plans to deal with the coalition crisis or with police investigations against him. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Rouhani’s visit a reality check for Iran-India relations Trade connectivity overtakes energy as Tehran and New Delhi move to forge closer cooperation. By Sumitha Narayanan Kutty
Upcoming summit unlikely to restart Turkey’s EU progress For pragmatic considerations, the European Union could offer a new kind of partnership for Turkey to keep it tethered to Europe without making it a full member. By Semih Idiz
Ghouta.com brings Eastern Ghouta's ordeal to the world Volunteers in Ghouta and Turkey manage an online platform that provides information on the situation in besieged Eastern Ghouta with the hope of bringing the brutal assault there to an end. By Marta Bellingreri (Syria Pulse)
Abbas rivals abroad wary as PA joins Interpol As Interpol's newest member, some rivals of President Mahmoud Abbas fear the Palestinian Authority may be tempted to misuse its new connections to pursue them. By Ahmad Abu Amer
Qatar claims proposed sanctions on Hamas threaten F-15 sales Qatar lobbyists say the pressure on Doha could jeopardize a $6.2 billion deal signed under President Donald Trump. By Jack Detsch
Turkey moves to take key town in Afrin operation Turkish jets attacked the northern Syrian town of Jindires with the ultimate goal of encircling the city of Afrin. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Israeli photographers seek to define 'chutzpah' A recent photo exhibition examined whether "chutzpah," an Israeli word that has been exported into English and other languages, refers to vulgarity and disrespect or originality and guts. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
Stakes rise in Syria as Turkey clashes with pro-Assad militias As Turkey’s forces approach the center of Afrin city in Syria, it is getting harder for Moscow to control events. By Metin Gurcan