Palestinians set to reject US peace plan According to American sources, the peace plan elaborated by the Trump administration will offer Palestinians limited sovereignty on limited territory. Palestine
Gaza’s graduates finally get recognition they've demanded The Palestinian Ministry of Education announced a plan to recognize certificates issued by unaccredited universities established in the wake of the 2007 division in the Gaza Strip, allowing graduates to pursue higher degrees and work in public sector jobs. Palestine
IDF demands 'excessive' transparency from rights groups The Civil Administration in the West Bank has increased the information it requires from peace groups that organize face-to-face encounters between Palestinians and Israelis, and some activists say the new demands go much too far. Palestine
Egypt’s trade with Turkey grows despite political rift Egyptian efforts to attract investors and openness to Turkish investors have helped reduce Cairo's trade deficit with Ankara, despite ongoing tense bilateral political relations. Egypt
Could new development plan save Egypt's state TV? Egyptian state television, reeling under accumulated debts and an inflated number of employees, will implement a restructuring plan under the supervision of an unspecified "sovereign agency" amid fears that supervision could pave the way for intervention into media work. Egypt
Congress set to cut Palestinian aid Lawmakers included the provision in must-pass spending legislation to keep the government open. Palestine
Pentagon chief presses for end to Yemen war in meeting with Saudi prince US Defense Secretary James Mattis called on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to “accelerate” a peaceful end to the war in Yemen even as Mattis lobbies Congress not to terminate US support for Riyadh’s air campaign against the Houthis. Saudi Arabia
US spending bill drops Turkey sanctions A draft spending bill has dropped proposed Turkey sanctions meant to target Turkey's detention of Americans and US consulate staff amid US efforts to ease tensions with Ankara. Turkey
Iran's supreme leader criticized for saying there is ‘free speech’ in his country Iranians have criticized Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for claiming that there is free speech in Iran. Iran
Iranian Reformists anxious as Rouhani takes turn to the right Iranian Reformists worry that the Rouhani administration will officially form a coalition with Ali Larijani, the moderate conservative parliament speaker. Iran
Istanbul cabbies rage against Uber The people of Istanbul quickly embraced Uber's clean, safe cars and polite service, and thousands of taxi drivers are starting to react with violence. Turkey
Jordan, Israel hedge their bets in southwest Syria Southwest Syria could become the next battleground in Syria's multiple regional wars amid a possible collapse in the US-Russian cease-fire agreement. Israel
Israel's acknowledgment of Syria nuclear strike sparks security debate The story behind Israel's 2007 attack on Syria's nuclear reactor challenges the assumption that Israeli generals are more competent than Israeli politicians at making security decisions. Israel
Palestinian budget excludes Gaza, unless it toes the line Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ratified the 2018 public budget — which includes a controversial, quid pro quo clause regarding funds for the Gaza Strip — without obtaining the proper approval, raising questions about the Palestinian Authority’s desire to achieve reconciliation. Palestine
Disrespect for judicial rulings erodes Israeli democracy By ignoring Supreme Court rulings that are incompatible with their populist messages, Israeli politicians not only offend the rule of law, they undermine the democratic foundations of the state. Palestine
Syrian opposition forms force to hold its army accountable There's a new sheriff in town, so to speak, now that the Syrian Interim Government has established a military police unit in northern Aleppo. Syria
