Protests erupt in southwest Iran over water shortages A shortage of drinking water in southwest Iran has resulted in protests and conspiracy theories. By Al-Monitor Staff
Is Riyadh really pushing for control of Jerusalem holy sites? Saudi Arabia is boosting its efforts to take over Jordan's administration of Jerusalem's holy sites, and many think the pressure is coming from Saudi efforts to drum up support for the US peace plan for the Mideast. By Rasha Abou Jalal In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Iran’s Reformists hit by suppression at home, pressure from abroad Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Iranian Reformists have no choice but to reinvent themselves if they are to exert political influence. By Saeed Jalili
Is Israel going easy on Hamas? Israel plays it safe in Gaza while giving priority to its northern border; Hamas looking for a friend in Moscow; Israel’s nuclear ambiguity. By Week in Review
Israel tightens financial noose on Gaza Israel recently designated a Gaza currency exchange company a terror organization, raising concerns among local bankers and business owners about who might be next. By Ahmad Abu Amer
For Israel, Syrian battles hit too close to home Israel is facing a complicated situation on its Syrian border as Iran keeps reinforcing its presence in the country, the Syrian army gets closer to Israel and refugees continue to flee the combat zones. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Will Israel welcome Syrian refugees? The Israeli government has barred entry to Syrian refugees massing along its border, and although Israel is providing them with humanitarian aid, their increasing numbers are leading many to fear a pending humanitarian crisis. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Instant verbal divorce rips families apart in Iran's Kurdish region An uncommon Sunni practice granting immediate verbal divorce has wreaked havoc on the lives of many Kurdish-Iranian families, and some legal and religious parties argue it should be abolished. By Leila Alikarami
Trump, Putin both want piece of Middle East peace talks Russia and the United States can each bring advantages to the Mideast peace negotiating table, but neither is likely to solve all the issues without the other's cooperation. By دميتري مري