Iran faces new threat as Kurdish jihadis join IS in Afghanistan The rise of the Islamic State's branch in Afghanistan poses a new challenge for the Islamic Republic, as it is becoming a magnet for Iranian Kurdish recruits. By Fazel Hawramy (Iran Pulse)
Palestinians consider multistep plan toward two-state solution A proposal being discussed involves establishing Palestinian rule in Gaza and Jericho first, while negotiating the final parameters for a full Palestinian state. By Uri Savir
Will Libya’s newly signed border security agreement change anything? Libya, Sudan, Chad and Niger signed a security protocol to fight cross-border criminal activities in the Sahel region. By Mustafa Fetouri
Why Israel refuses to complete West Bank security fence Israeli settlers and right-wing political parties fear that the West Bank security fence will serve as a proposed border line in future negotiations with the Palestinians. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Are Palestinian armed factions forming joint army? Hamas and the Islamic Jihad’s military wing have claimed responsibility for the recent rockets fired into Israel, raising talk about the potential that factions may form a joint armed operations room. By Adnan Abu Amer
Jordan protests thrill, unnerve Palestinians The successful protests against an income tax hike in Jordan are a source of both inspiration and worry for Palestinians, who depend on the stability of their friend and neighbor. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Israeli soccer fans divided over who's to blame for canceled match Israelis blame anyone they can for the cancellation of Argentina’s national soccer team and its star Lionel Messi’s visit to Israel: the Palestinians, BDS, Minister of Sports Miri Regev. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
Gaza crisis threatens to set West Bank ablaze While the demonstrations along the Gaza border fence continue, the number of casualties will grow, sparking ever larger protests in the West Bank. By Shlomi Eldar
Medical shortages threaten lives of Gaza’s wounded With shortages of medication, supplies and beds, hospitals in the Gaza Strip are unable to provide those wounded in the Great Return March protests with necessary treatment. By Huda Baroud
Egypt expands law granting domestic products preference Egypt’s parliament has approved amendments to a law that gives preference to domestic products instead of imported ones in government contracts, drawing mixed reactions from local experts. By Amr Mostafa
Israel to withhold PA tax funds to compensate victims of kite attacks Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to deduct money from Palestinian tax revenues to compensate the Israeli victims of kite-borne arson along the Gaza border. By Ahmad Abu Amer
Congress seeks to insulate Oman from Yemen instability As the 3-year-old proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran continues to destabilize Yemen, Congress seeks to shore up security in neighboring Oman. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Iraq's Christians, Muslims agree to revive site of ancient church A lunch meeting between a Christian tour group and local Muslims during Ramadan resulted in an initiative to save one of Iraq’s oldest churches. By Saad Salloum
Manbij plan raises expectations but not mood in US-Turkey relations Just days after Ankara and Washington announced their agreement on a road map for Manbij, Syria, differing interpretations are threatening setbacks in their fragile progress toward rebuilding ties. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iraq to tackle vast vote recount amid claims of extensive fraud As the Iraqi Cabinet and parliament investigate allegations of widespread fraud in the recent election, the winning parties await the potential fallout, worried about losing parliament seats. By Ali Mamouri