Saudi defense spending soars, but not to America's benefit Saudi Arabia's military spending is not currently benefiting the United States, as no large arms deals are on the table. Saudi Arabia
Eager to vote, Iraq's displaced faced obstacles on election day Promises of jobs and support to rebuild their homes sent many of Iraq's internally displaced in search of voting stations that would allow them to cast their vote on May 12. Iraq
Is Iraqi PM counting on Sunni, Kurdish votes for re-election? Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi appears to be counting on Sunni and Kurdish votes to win the next election, with visits to traditional Kurdish and Sunni strongholds. Iraq
Iranian oil exports set to continue under US sanctions While the US reimposition of sanctions on Iran is not likely to majorly hit Iranian oil exports in the near term, it could have severe consequences for the country’s energy sector in the long term. Iran
Egypt's new law to prevent harassment of tourists gets mixed reaction In an effort to curb aggressive vendors and beggars, Egypt imposed heavy fines on those who harass tourists, but could it work on the ground? Egypt
Candidates' past ties to Saddam create uproar in Iraq's Kurdistan Region Despite the Kurdistan Regional Government's strong rhetoric against Saddam Hussein and his collaborators, several Kurdish figures who worked with the former Iraqi president's Baath regime are participating in the upcoming elections. Iraq
Will escalation in Iran-US tensions impact Syria conflict? With tension between the United States and Iran rapidly increasing, northern and eastern Syria could witness an upsurge in proxy clashes between parties backed by each side. Syria
Former Brotherhood official hopes new initiative will bridge Egypt's social rifts Former spokesman for the Muslim Brotherhood, Kamal Halbawi, has launched an initiative to mend the social rift in Egypt. Will it be successful? Egypt
Turkish opposition motto comes from unexpected contributor: Erdogan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s statement that he will step down if the people say "Enough" gave the opposition the best slogan for the June 24 snap elections. Turkey
Is Israel’s veteran political power couple making comeback? Despite past quarrels, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman seem very close and coordinated on Iran, Syria and other issues. Israel
Besieged Syrians, with reasons to stay and reasons to leave The most recent massive displacements and a new property law in Syria are making it even less likely that many refugees and internally displaced persons will ever be able to go back to their hometowns. Syria
Tunisia's military votes for first time in 62 years Tunisian military and security personnel voted in Tunisia's first local elections since the 2011 revolution, but some are worried that this could lead to the military becoming too political. Tunisia
Europe fears Trump, Netanyahu encouraging Iran's hard-liners The European Union fears that the positions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump could generate an all-out war with Iran. Israel
Israel expels Human Rights Watch advocacy director Human rights groups fear that the Israeli government’s reaction to criticism of the occupation has a negative impact on all of Israeli society, and that freedom of speech and thought are no longer a guiding light in the country. Palestine
Where have those displaced from Syria's Douma gone? A new refugee camp was established on the outskirts of al-Bel village to accommodate opposition fighters from Jaish al-Islam, as well as their family members and other civilians, who fled Douma. Syria
Will top Palestinian official's resignation crack Fatah unity? Top Fatah official Nasser al-Qudwa submitted his resignation from the Fatah Central Committee in protest against the results of events at the Palestinian National Council meeting April 30-May 3. Palestine
