Price tag for Trump’s $250,000 Jerusalem embassy is in – at $21.5 million Federal documents reviewed by Al-Monitor show upgrades to the temporary facility in Arnona will cost far more than the president said. Israel
Netanyahu, Putin talk Iran before Helsinki summit In his last meeting with Putin before the Helsinki summit with Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to enlist Russia's support for Israel's Syria proposal for the United States. Israel
Trump-Putin meeting in Helsinki might solve Syrian crisis Russia and the United States have very different approaches and goals in the Middle East, but they could lead to a solution in Syria. Syria
Khamenei adviser says Russia to replace Western investors As Western firms begin to exit Iran, one of Iran’s top officials travels to Russia. Iran
Turkey’s battered lira takes another hit Turkey's currency has sunk to a record low after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he expects interest rates to fall despite warnings a crisis looms as the country struggles under its burden of debt. Turkey
Soldiers’ funerals become bone of contention between AKP, opposition Turkey's interior minister claims the main opposition party supports terrorism and bans its officials from the funerals of service members. Turkey
How Israel and Egypt are coordinating on Gaza By threatening to close the Gaza Rafah crossing point, Egypt signals to Hamas that it must reconcile with Fatah. Qatar
Turkey and Israel spar over Jerusalem Turkey's increased support and involvement in Jerusalem to support Palestinians have created a backlash in Israeli media. Palestine
'Snake man of Baghdad' spreads love for wild animals Wildlife lover and environmental activist Mahdi Laith says his mission in life is to change Iraqi attitudes toward the country's many exotic species. Iraq
Netanyahu uses 'divide and conquer' strategy to preserve his rule Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's closeness with foreign far-right leaders who undervalue democracy and human compassion falls right in line with his decision to promote the contentious nationality bill. Israel
Hamas feeling consequences of touting ties with Iran Hamas needs its connection with Iran, but some within the movement say it must stop boasting about renewed relations before it undoes any progress it's made to change its international image. Palestine
Are Israel's ultra-Orthodox schools following Jewish values? Ultra-Orthodox Ashkenazi leaders of rabbinical schools discriminate against Mizrahi students because they fear a more open-minded influence on their conservative educational system. Israel
Will Tunis' first female mayor advocate for women’s rights? Tunis' city council has elected its first female mayor from the Ennahda movement, yet some critics are wary of whether the new mayor will be a strong advocate for women. Tunisia
Knesset members entering Al-Aqsa provoke Palestinians Tensions are simmering over the Israeli prime minister's action to lift the ban on Knesset members visiting the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Palestine
Congress wants VOA to take hard line on Iran Accusing US-funded media like Voice of America of being too soft on Iran, Congress and the Donald Trump administration seek to exert more control over its Persian-language news services. Congress
Turkish TV preacher, disciples detained on sex abuse charges Televangelist Adnan Oktar, who sparked both imaginations and outrage with his unconventional blend of sexuality with Islamic doctrine over decades, is accused of organized crime, espionage, sexual assault and more. Turkey
