Momentum builds for Iran to meet global financial watchdog requirements Iran’s political elite finally appear to have enough momentum to pass key measures to satisfy FATF’s demands for greater transparency and compliance with international standards, which will improve the changes of Iran and the European Union to build on their economic relations. By Bijan Khajehpour In Vienna, reporting on Iranian politics
Likud leadership loses touch with base as it panders to ultra-Orthodox, far right A poll on progressive Judaism indicates that most Likud supporters follow a more moderate line than the radical one espoused by the party leadership in an effort to court the far right. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Gaza tunnel workers face greater risks, shrinking pay The tunnels used for smuggling goods between Gaza and Egypt are still operating despite the dangers posed by the Egyptian army’s campaign to destroy them. By Hana Salah
Top Democrats urge Gulf to drop demand for Houthi surrender in Yemen Some of the House’s most hawkish Democratic leaders rebuked Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over their offensive on the key port of Hodeidah. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Egypt's millennials turn to Sufism In the years following Egypt's two most recent uprisings, and possibly as a reaction to the influence of Wahhabi teachings in the most populous Arab country, young Egyptians are searching for spiritual fulfillment through a creed that has long been misinterpreted in the mainstream. By Yasmin El-Beih
Pompeo looks to career diplomat for State's No. 3 post Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was expected to recommend the nomination of career diplomat David Hale, currently the US ambassador to Pakistan, to be undersecretary of state for political affairs. By Laura Rozen
Iran moves closer to reinstating Zoroastrian city councilor Iran’s Expediency Council is inching closer to reinstating an elected Zoroastrian member of a city council after a controversial suspension over his faith. By Al-Monitor Staff
Erdogan son-in-law takes Finance Ministry post with promises, hush orders Turkey’s newly re-elected President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has promoted his son-in-law in law to finance minister among other steps to tighten control over the country's economic policies. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Egypt's dwindling Jewish community struggles to maintain its heritage The leader of Egypt's tiny Jewish community has plans to make sure the country's long Jewish heritage outlives her by expanding synagogues into cultural centers and libraries. By George Mikhail
US administration silent on Israel's occupation policy Contrary to former US administrations, President Donald Trump accepts Israel's ongoing occupation and settlement policies without requiring concessions for the Palestinians. By Akiva Eldar
Israeli right dreams of third temple in Jerusalem Israeli right-wing politicians resumed visits to the Temple Mount after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled the ban on Knesset members visiting the site. By Shlomi Eldar
Billion dollar debt, heat wave push Iran to cut electricity to Iraq Iran has cut off electricity supplies to Iraq amid increased consumption during a hot spell and reports of massive accrued debt by Baghdad, sparking a wave of protests in central and southern Iraqi regions. By Ali Mamouri
Manbij holds the key to improved Turkish-US ties Ankara is worried the United States and Russia may be working on a deal in Syria that will be to Turkey's disadvantage. By Semih Idiz
Why Putin won’t throw Iran under the bus in Syria Despite speculation that Russian President Vladimir Putin may sacrifice Iran's interests in his upcoming summit with US President Donald Trump, Russian policy appears geared toward gaining concessions from the Americans without going beyond Iran’s red lines in Syria. By Hamidreza Azizi
Egypt rejects EU plan to force refugees into camps The debate over the European Union’s plan to set up centers for migrants in North Africa and the Middle East has been rekindled in Egypt, where officials reiterated their rejection of such centers. By Amira Sayed Ahmed
Turkey clinches deal to sell 4 warships to Pakistan After failing to find buyers in Middle East, Turkey's defense industry takes a major step forward by selling four corvettes to Pakistan. By Metin Gurcan