Jilted Kurds ignore Western hand-wringing over Syria gas attack The Syrian Kurds have been notably silent on US President Donald Trump’s threat to punish Damascus over a suspected chemical attack on Douma, likely disillusioned and choosing to focus on condemning Turkey's ongoing offensive in Afrin. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Trump's threats fuel nuclear ambitions among Iranian conservatives Iranian conservatives renew the prospect of exiting the nonproliferation treaty in case the United States withdraws from the nuclear deal. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey's running out of time to pick a partner in Syria Turkey's been playing the field in Syria, but as the crisis escalates, Ankara may have to make a commitment to either its NATO allies or Moscow. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
Iranian banking reforms gain steam after long delay Progress on major banking reforms in Iran finally moves in the right direction after years of stalling. By Maziar Motamedi
Turkey’s controversial wealth fund stumbles badly since hasty creation Turkey’s sovereign wealth fund, which holds key public assets worth $160 billion, has stumbled badly since its hasty creation in 2016. By Mustafa Sonmez In Istanbul, reporting on economics
Is Iranian state TV’s monopoly at risk? Iran’s state TV, which is facing a crisis over viewership since some of its best directors walked out, has found a strong rival in the home video network. By Rohollah Faghihi
Farmers' efforts fruitless after Israeli military drills Israel's army drills are razing thousands of acres of the Jordan Valley used by Palestinians for farmland and pastures. By Ahmad Melhem In Ramallah, reporting on politics
Syrian refugees find support, hope in Turkey's peaceful Kilis A vocational training center is helping Syrian refugees build new lives in the peaceful Turkish border town of Kilis, but more funding is needed to keep it going. By Tara Kangarlou
Excavations start on Palestine’s oldest monastery St. Hilarion Monastery, named after the first monk in Palestine, gets international funding for a project that would enable its restoration in a two-year-long project. By Huda Baroud
Will Iraq's new 'tribal court' undermine rule of law? A group of tribal sheikhs will be appointed by the Ministry of Justice to intervene as arbitrators to resolve disputes and conflicts between Iraqi tribes, which some fear will undermine the rule of law in Iraq. By Mustafa Saadoun
Egypt planning slew of IPOs to boost 2018-19 budget Listing 23 Egyptian state-owned companies on the stock exchange is among several steps that the recently announced state budget will rely on to achieve a 5.8% growth rate in the next fiscal year. By Ayah Aman In Cairo, reporting on politics and culture
Uber, Careem drivers back on job as Egypt moves to regulate industry After their operations were suspended by a Cairo court, another put Uber and Careem back on Egyptian streets while the parliament drafts legislation to regulate ride-share companies. By Nayrouz Talaat
Netanyahu invokes Holocaust to sow fear, hate As Israel marks Holocaust Remembrance Day April 12, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is shamelessly exploiting the tragedy against whomever objects to his policies. By Akiva Eldar
Libyans divided over presidential bid by Gadhafi's son With the backing of the tribes and communities who supported his father, Saif al-Islam could be bringing back the old regime with his run for president. By Mat Nashed
Turkey squeezed as US-Russia tensions rise in Syria Since the suspected chemical weapons attack by Syrian regime forces in Douma, Turkey has been producing conflicting messages, visibly torn between its strategic interests in Syria and ties to NATO and the West. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture