How Israel's left could challenge Netanyahu If they're going to beat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the next elections, the three Zionist leftist parties must unite. By Yossi Beilin
Trial of Turkish hospital staff begins as sex abuse crisis deepens Two health workers are on trial for failing to notify police about 115 pregnant teenagers, many of them underage, in what feels to many Turks like a child abuse epidemic. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Tehran in fresh diplomatic push to salvage nuclear deal Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has embarked on a European tour for talks expected to revolve around the nuclear deal. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran’s economic crisis gives Rouhani chance to hit 'corrupt networks' Rouhani should make use of the mandate that Iran’s supreme leader has given for further transparency, which will weaken corrupt networks that are harming the country more than any external enemy. By Bijan Khajehpour In Vienna, reporting on Iranian politics
Egyptians outraged at plans to leave best beaches to tourists Egypt has a bad record when it comes to tourist harassment, but keeping locals out of beaches in Alexandria may not be the best way to prevent it. By Shahira Amin
After Erdogan's win, what's next for Turkey's foreign policy? Despite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s anti-Western rhetoric and signs pointing to its continuing, Western leaders appear to accept that they will nonetheless simply have to work with him. By Semih Idiz
Turkish economy just as volatile after elections Despite expectations, Turkey’s June 24 elections have failed to reduce uncertainties in the economy, raising the specter of austerity measures with hefty political costs. By Mustafa Sonmez In Istanbul, reporting on economics
Hifter may be pushing his luck by manipulating Libya's oil Libya’s Gen. Khalifa Hifter appears to be using his control of oil ports as a political bargaining chip, but his success seems doubtful. By Mustafa Fetouri
Former PM returns to the spotlight in Palestine With no details revealed about a meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and former Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, Palestinians filled the void with speculation and hopes posted to social media that Fayyad might one day head a unity government. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Israeli Arabs, ultra-Orthodox wheel and deal in the Knesset The ultra-Orthodox parties helped Arab Knesset members block the muezzin bill, while the Arab Joint List absented itself from the vote on the proposed conscription law. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
Congress sounds alarm over Tunisia’s proposed NGO law Lawmakers who have long championed the fledgling democracy are worried about potential efforts to rein in civil society. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Trump administration denies pursuing regime change in Iran The US "maximum pressure" campaign lets the Donald Trump administration look like it is being tough on Iran while reducing US involvement in Syria and other parts of the Middle East. By Laura Rozen
Decks and the City: Artist proposes gardens over car parks in Beirut This year's Beirut Design Week focuses on urban design, and the projects and showcases include street revival and creative new green spaces. By Talia Abbas
Turkish underworld joins war on journalists Turkey's beleaguered press corps is now facing threats from the Turkish mafia, and the staff of a mildly oppositionist newspaper is under police protection. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Border calm precarious as Iraq's Anbar revives, slowly An airstrike on militias raises tension across the border in Syria, while Qaim, Iraq, is reviving gradually after years of being under control of terrorist groups. By Shelly Kittleson
How long can Erdogan’s alliance survive? Despite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s re-election last week, his party’s failure to secure an absolute majority in parliament has complicated the picture, leading many to believe that Erdogan would look for ways to achieve full control of the legislature. By Ayla Ganioglu