Iran, Saudi Arabia in war of words over allegations of aiding al-Qaeda Iranian officials have once again strongly dismissed Saudi charges that Tehran is aiding al-Qaeda. Saudi Arabia
Virtual farming game cheats Turks out of real property Turkish prosecutors have opened an investigation into a young man being accused of using a Ponzi scheme to bilk around 80,000 Turks out of millions of dollars. Turkey
Why drought is a national security issue in Iran Mismanagement of water resources combined with climate change threaten the futures of coming generations of Iranians. Iran
Turkey demands 'respect' after taking Syria’s Afrin from Kurdish militia Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on the United States to support its NATO partner as it prepares to expand military operations against the Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units. Syria
Turkey rolls into Afrin, apparently on way to Manbij The city of Afrin, Syria, unexpectedly fell after Kurdish fighters surprisingly retreated, leaving the world watching for Ankara's next move. Syria
The story behind Israel's secret strike on Syria's nuclear reactor Israel for the first time acknowledges how nearly a decade ago it located and destroyed a Syrian nuclear reactor built with the assistance of North Korea. Israel
Syria situation still complex as negotiations go on — and on Despite negotiations in Geneva and Egypt, and eight rounds of peace talks in Astana, Kazakhstan, the Syrian war entered its eighth year this month. Syria
Erdogan impatient to charge ahead in Syria as Ankara sizes up Pompeo The US president's choice for his new secretary of state comes at an inconvenient time for Erdogan’s plans to capitalize on Turkey’s victory over the US-allied Syrian Kurdish militia in Afrin. Syria
Can festivals revive tourism in Egypt's top Red Sea resort? In an effort to attract tourists, Sharm el-Sheikh turns to international film and theater festivals, but the jury is still out on whether these will positively impact the local economy. Egypt
Young Tunisians have high hopes for May's municipal elections Tunisians are looking forward to the first municipal elections since 2011 amid expectations that independents and young people will achieve major results. Tunisia
Israeli left-wing party moving in the 'right' direction Tamar Zandberg, who is expected to assume leadership of left-wing Meretz, has sparked controversy by saying that she will not rule out joining a coalition that includes the right-wing Yisrael Beitenu. Israel
Education minister cashes in on Israel Prize winners' popularity Education Minister Naftali Bennett is using this year’s Israel Prize winners to promote his own image as mainstream and stately. Israel
Protests in Tunisia's phosphate regions threaten economy The recurrent disruption of phosphate production puts Tunisia's economy in the face of new challenges. Tunisia
Cairo calls on Egyptian expats for water advice The Egyptian government hosted a conference in Luxor and invited Egyptian experts living abroad to take part in helping address issues related to the country's water insecurity. Egypt
Lebanese army appeals for international assistance The Lebanese Armed Forces are appealing for financial support from international donors to fight extremist groups in the country. Lebanon
Sisi takes Saudi prince to theater The Saudi crown prince's diplomatic visit to Egypt included a trip to the theater for a play that is anything but traditional in a country where artistic works still face heavy censorship. Egypt
