Women's Taif TV blocked in Gaza two hours before launch The Palestinian Ministry of Information in the Gaza Strip blocked the launch of Taif TV two hours before it was due to go on air, in what raised concerns about freedom of the press in Gaza. Palestine
As fighting rages in Egypt's north Sinai, students get lessons online Schools are closed while Sinai is rocked by fighting during an anti-terrorism operation, and a new online program is helping students continue learning while they wait for calm to return. Egypt
Europe starts preparing Mideast peace initiative The one-sided decision by the United States to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem in May opens the way for a European Mideast peace initiative. Palestine
Israeli recognition of Ethiopian religious leaders just a start It took Israel decades to accept Jewish Ethiopian religious leaders and to integrate them as rabbis, but it remains to be seen how much the reforms will be implemented. Israel
The 'enforced disappearance' of Egypt’s secular youth While Egypt’s National Security Agency targets perceived Muslim Brotherhood supporters, secular activists are also becoming major targets. Egypt
Iran prepares to boost jobs, clean air by revamping auto fleet The vast fleet of dilapidated vehicles on Iranian roads may disappear sooner than thought, though not everyone is optimistic about Tehran's latest attempt to get it done. Iran
Russia's UN veto sign of warming ties with Iran says Khamenei adviser Russia’s veto of a UN Security Council resolution condemning Iran in Yemen’s civil war is a sign of the growing ties between Tehran and Moscow, according to a top adviser to the supreme leader. Russia
Turkey continues hostilities in Afrin despite UN cease-fire President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to stay and slay a "dragon" in his military’s month long-campaign against a Kurdish militia in Syria, dismissing assertions from Western allies that the Security Council resolution is intended for the entire war-battered country. Syria
Turkey’s sugar privatization faces bitter opposition The Turkish government’s plan to privatize 14 sugar plants has sparked nationwide protests, irking not only factory workers and local communities but also Turkish consumers in general. Turkey
Amazigh awakening: Libya’s largest minority wants recognition Amazigh leaders are threatening to boycott parliamentary elections and a constitutional referendum if their rights and culture are not officially recognized. Libya
Dahlan encouraged to form Palestinian party outside Fatah Despite his reluctance, dismissed Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan is getting support from other countries to challenge Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Saudi Arabia
