Iran to ban new high-water consumption industry in dry regions Iran is moving to address water usage by its industry, but such measures won't be effective unless use of water in agriculture is tackled too. Iran
Turkey's opposition unites to fend off election fraud A wide array of Turkish opposition groups has announced the formation of an alliance to ensure the hotly contested upcoming elections are run fairly. Turkey
How Israel’s ongoing violation of Oslo Accord threatens security Under the pretext of security interests, the IDF violates the Oslo Accord nearly every night by entering West Bank areas nominally under Palestinian control, humiliating Palestinian police and threatening ongoing security cooperation. Palestine
Adviser to Iran's supreme leader outlines steps to boost nuclear program A key adviser to Iran’s supreme leader outlined a number of recommendations Iran should take to advance its nuclear program capabilities. United States
Is Turkey headed for IMF bailout? An increasing number of observers see an inevitable prospect of Turkey seeking an IMF bailout, yet the country is not on its beam-ends yet and the outcome of the June 24 polls will bear on its ability to keep its economy afloat without going to the IMF. Turkey
Idlib could be trump card or time bomb for Turkey Turkey may be pushing its luck by expanding its operational field into Latakia province, provoking skirmishes with the Syrian army. Syria
Iraq's pro-Iran factions shrug off congressional sanctions push Asaib Ahl al-Haq and the Hezbollah Brigades have dismissed the effectiveness of possible new US sanctions against them and claim they might even be helpful. Iraq
Defying blockade, Palestinians set sail from Gaza Although Israel stopped the latest attempt by sea to break the siege on Gaza, Palestinians are determined to continue efforts to draw attention to the blockade. Palestine
Holding elections in fractured Libya puts cart before horse It seems UN envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame is getting ahead of himself, agreeing to elections before the warring parties reconcile. Libya
After Gaza bloodshed, UN mulls protecting Palestinians The odds of the UN passing a resolution to send a protective force to the Palestinian territories are slim, but recent violence there has given the proposal legs. Palestine
Forces in Iraq's Anbar unite for cross-border anti-IS operation As the second phase of the operation to retake the last major pocket of territory held by the Islamic State across the border continues, local Iraqi forces in the western Anbar city of Qaim are wary but hopeful that some of their disappeared may soon be found. Iraq
Israel's undiplomatic top diplomat Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely made yet another questionable diplomatic move this week, boasting about an education agreement signed with Myanmar. Israel
Leader defines principles of new Future Syria Party In an interview with Al-Monitor, the leader of the newly established Future Syria Party, Ibrahim al-Qaftan, rejected claims that the group seeks to counter Turkish pressure in northern Syria, stressing that its goal is to build a pluralistic and democratic state. Syria
Will Egypt implement ban on YouTube over anti-Islam video? Almost six years after the release of the "Innocence of Muslims" movie trailer on YouTube, Egypt’s Supreme Administrative Court issued a ruling to block the site for a month, but some question whether the decision will be carried out. Egypt
Israel ignores failure of Gaza blockade policy Israeli leadership refuses to recognize the reality and admit that its Gaza blockade policy failed in toppling Hamas rule. Palestine
How Israel's Supreme Court provides support to occupation of West Bank, Gaza Israel’s Supreme Court has authorized virtually every violation of the Palestinians' rights brought before it. Palestine
