Israel defends decision to deploy snipers amid Gaza protests Despite having expertise in using nonlethal means to disperse violent demonstrations, the Israeli military chose to use live fire against demonstrators across the border in Gaza. Palestine
As Egypt tightens grip on IS, it's also strangling Sinai residents The Egyptian army has laid siege to the Sinai Peninsula in an effort to combat terrorism, but its actions are disrupting the lives of more than 250,000 residents. Egypt
Egyptian art show pays homage to diva Umm Kulthum An exhibition in Cairo casts a nostalgic look at Umm Kulthum, the great Egyptian diva, and her fans who loved the aesthetic life of the '50s and '60s in Egypt. Egypt
Pentagon sends surplus tanks to Morocco The Pentagon is sending hundreds of extra tanks to Morocco to modernize the country’s aging military. Morocco
Ankara's Afrin plan triggers acrimony among Kurds Turkey is proposing a diverse governing council for Afrin, but some suspect the idea is really a disguise for Turkish rule. Syria
Turkey’s impressive growth rate has dark side Turkey has posted a spectacular 7.4% growth rate for 2017, but other key economic indicators suggest there is little to celebrate. Turkey
Countdown begins to Putin-Erdogan-Rouhani talks Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are set to meet in Turkey, where they will be joined by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani for negotiations to end the fighting in Syria. Turkey
Is Iran ready to block Telegram? The popular messaging app Telegram may soon be replaced by Soroush, a domestic messaging service. Iran
5 reasons Iran is staying out of eastern Ghouta Iran’s apparent low profile on the military operations in Afrin and eastern Ghouta has raised questions about its policy toward the Syrian war. Syria
Israel faces historic decision as new population figures emerge With the official announcement that the number of Jews and Arabs living between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea had reached parity, Israel is facing a historic decision. Palestine
Israeli defense official threatened owners of Gaza bus companies in days before protest Hamas-backed demonstrations reflect Palestinian political crisis, despair of Gaza’s economic conditions and collapse of peace process. Palestine
