Indonesian cleric’s call for compassion lost in controversy over Jerusalem visit During a visit to Israel, Yahya Staquf, leader of the world’s largest Islamic organization, expressed his vision for the peaceful resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict and his strong support of the Palestinian cause. Palestine
Displaced Syrians build new lives in Idlib Syrians evacuated from eastern Ghouta have found new life and work in Idlib, where few still rely on aid and charity organizations. Syria
Egypt’s proposed media law spooks journalists Egyptian journalists are speaking out against a vast press and media bill, warning it grants wide powers to the government and places potentially heavy restrictions on journalists. Egypt
Iran may become third wheel in Saudi-Russian relationship Saudi Arabia and Russia have been overlooking their differences, focusing instead on their mutual energy interests, but it might prove hard to ignore the elephant in the room indefinitely. Saudi Arabia
As dollar rises, Turkey's tourism income suffers Turkey's weak currency means more tourists can afford to travel there, but it doesn’t mean more revenue for the country. Turkey
Battle for Kurdish vote turns violent, leaves four dead in Turkey's Suruc Four people were killed during campaigning in a mainly Kurdish town last week, and the government and the opposition are trading blame over escalating tensions ahead of the June 24 election. Turkey
Iran's ex-military chief accused of squatting in former shah mansion The former chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces has been accused of living rent-free for 25 years in a mansion belonging to the shah’s regime. Iran
Egypt proposes increase on fees paid by foreigners Refugees in Egypt who are already struggling just to make ends meet are worried about the government’s proposal to increase the residency charge. Egypt
Palestinians skeptical of humanitarian efforts in Gaza Israel and the United States have indicated that they seek to ease the blockade on Gaza and improve the humanitarian situation in the coastal enclave, but Palestinians question their real intent. Palestine
Is Rouhani all talk, no action on hints at Cabinet shake-up? Both President Hassan Rouhani and First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri have publicly slammed underperforming government ministers, but few believe it will lead to a Cabinet shake-up. Iran
Turkey ramps up HIV awareness campaign As the HIV rate among Turks has sharply increased over the last decade, the Turkish government has started raising awareness among university students. Turkey
Will Iraqi communists stick with Sadr’s Sairoon Alliance? Rank-and-file members of the Iraqi Communist Party feel betrayed by Muqtada al-Sadr's Sairoon Alliance allying with the pro-Iranian Fatah Alliance to potentially form an overwhelmingly Shiite government instead of trying to dispense with sectarian politics. Iraq
Israeli bill forbids documentation of IDF abuses Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman claims an Israeli bill criminalizing the filming of Israeli soldiers is meant to protect them from harm, but human rights workers point out that it will also shield them from prosecution. Palestine
Israel's three-way deal on Iran in Syria and Russia in the G-7 Israel’s political and security echelons are intently nurturing ties and coordinating with Russia to oust Iran from Syria. Israel
Why Egypt wants China's Sphinx replica beheaded Egypt’s war on a Chinese replica of the Giza Sphinx has resumed after theme park owners replaced the forbidden statue's head two years after agreeing to remove it. Egypt
