Iran’s Khatami urged to launch ‘reforms within reform movement' Amid signs of a decline in public support for Iran’s Reform movement, 100 activists have urged Reformist icon Mohammad Khatami to save the camp by initiating internal reforms. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey cultivating ever-deeper roots in Syrian territory Turkey continues setting up parallel structures in Syria, the latest being a branch of Harran University in al-Bab. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
Egyptian censors succumb to 'Karma' Egypt’s General Authority for Censorship made a swift U-turn after its ban on screenings of Khaled Youssef’s “Karma” was met with resistance, confusion and parliamentary pledges to investigate. By Menna A. Farouk
Israeli opposition's internal battles play into Netanyahu’s hands Labor head Avi Gabbay's slander campaign against Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid has weakened the whole center-left camp and left the prime minister without a viable rival. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Why Israel’s 11-year closure didn’t topple Hamas It took Israel a decade to realize that its closure policy won’t topple the Hamas regime. By Shlomi Eldar
Rapid spread of gas stations fuels controversy in Gaza Gas stations are increasingly being invested in under the degenerating economic and humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, pointing at conflicting interests between Gaza’s Ministry of Finance and Planning and the Ministry of Local Government. By Rasha Abou Jalal In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Syrians injured in war find hope for employment The Farah Organization provides vocational education to Syrians in Daraa and Quneitra provinces who have been injured during the civil war and those with congenital deformities. By Tamer Osman
Congress splits over F-35 sale to Turkey Parochial interests are undermining a united stance against Ankara in the US Senate. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Does Mhebis, a Ramadan tradition, have a future in Iraq? Al-Muhaibis, or Mhebis, a traditional game centered around finding a ring, is being played by Iraqis this Ramadan, but some foresee its disappearance as younger generations prefer spending time online playing electronic games. By Salam Zidane
US gives 'yellow light' to UAE assault on Yemen port A top United Arab Emirates official urged the international community to pressure the Houthi rebels to withdraw from the key Yemeni port city. By Laura Rozen
Moscow’s take on US-Turkey Manbij deal: Wait and see Russia is reserving judgment but also keeping a close eye on an agreement between Turkey and the United States regarding the Kurdish People’s Protection Units in Manbij, Syria. By Maxim A. Suchkov
Gaza women fight for fairer, faster divorces A women's association in Gaza is fighting to address the glacial legal process to obtain a divorce and the lack of support for women during those interminable periods. By Ahmad Melhem In Ramallah, reporting on politics
Turkey touts Iranian support for PKK offensive Ankara claims it has Iran's support for the operation rolling out against the Kurdistan Workers Party in northern Iraq, but Tehran has yet to respond officially. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
'Authorized protest venues' approved in aftermath of Iran protests The administration of President Hassan Rouhani approved a list of locations for what it brands as "authorized rallies" in Iran's capital, drawing mixed responses. By Al-Monitor Staff
Saudi Arabia bails out Jordan In light of Jordan's latest protests that toppled the prime minister, Saudi Arabia initiated a summit June 10 where a $2.5 billion five-year aid program was agreed on to help the Hashemite Kingdom regain a position of stability in the region. By Bruce Riedel
Egyptian MPs open Pandora's box on popular soccer team's finances An exchange of accusations between Saudi soccer boss Turki al-Sheikh and Al-Ahly's board opens Pandora's box on the Egyptian soccer team's donations. By Ahmed Fouad