More of the same? Erdogan rule to replace emergency rule in Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will reportedly not extend Turkey's state of emergency, in place since the 2016 coup, when it expires, but critics warn Erdogan has just gained many of the powers it afforded him. Turkey
Rouhani urges Iran’s factions to unite against US pressure Facing mounting economic pressure, President Hassan Rouhani urged Iran’s various factions to put differences aside and work together. United States
Why ultra-nationalists exceeded expectations in Turkey's elections The higher-than-expected vote share of the ultra-nationalists in Turkey's recent elections surprised many, but in hindsight and upon closer examination, its causes are not so puzzling. Syria
Palestinians applaud Erdogan win, pin hopes on Turkey Palestinians hope Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will cut ties with Israel and focus even more on their cause. Palestine
Israelis take two steps forward on equality, then two steps back Israeli consumers protested against companies segregating men and women or excluding on a racial basis, but the judiciary and government ministries continue to back gender segregation. Israel
Egyptian activist creates music from garbage “Music has logic, and anything can make a sound,” says Shady Rabab, who received a UN prize for addressing poverty and waste management in Egypt by making musical instruments from trash and training young people in a band. Egypt
Israel’s nuclear ambiguity policy blocks diplomatic process There is little hope for peace in the Middle East as long as Israel insists on its ambiguous nuclear policy and refuses to sign disarmament agreements. Israel
Child abuse case brings outrage, but no change in Iran Just a month after a high-profile child molestation case shook Iran, the outrage has died down and very little is being done to prevent future abuse. Iran
Congress seeks to hand off Israel boycott fight to Trump Congress is taking a third stab at legislation combating boycotts of Israel and its West Bank settlements by passing the buck to the Donald Trump administration. Palestine
Sufi women blazing new trail in Nablus A unique group of some 40 women come together each week at a religious school in Nablus to practice Sufi rituals and study the faith. Palestine
Bolton lays ground for Trump, Putin summit US national security adviser John Bolton went to Moscow with a specific mission and a specific message involving a Putin-Trump meeting in July; however, the question remains whether "summit diplomacy" can resolve looming security issues in the Middle East. Syria
Kushner peace push undermined by Trump's policies Jared Kushner’s Middle East peace push is being undermined by a series of administration policy decisions that have alienated both the Palestinian leadership and people. Palestine
Iran's car market engulfed in growing economic crisis Crisis conditions bite into Iran’s car market, with customers forced to shell out higher prices for both foreign and domestically made vehicles. Iran
Iran’s youngest minister becoming symbol of transparency drive Iran’s youngest minister has received widespread praise for his “courageous” transparency campaign after revealing a list of allegedly fraudulent cellphone importers. Iran
Ankara vows to ignore Iran sanctions Turkey and the United States are entering a new stage of strained relations as newly re-elected President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, flush with power, disregards renewed sanctions on Iran. Turkey
Iraq may soon be without a government, as clock runs out Baghdad is facing a political predicament, as too much has to be accomplished before parliament's term ends June 30. Iraq
