Who is at the sharp end of Turkey’s currency crisis? After years of bold borrowing from abroad, Turkish conglomerates, including government cronies, are sitting on a powder keg as the country’s currency turmoil keeps augmenting their debt repayment woes. By Mustafa Sonmez In Istanbul, reporting on economics
Erdogan sneers at Trump as Turkey lines up new friends Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at US President Donald Trump in what some analysts say is a bid to scapegoat the United States for an impending economic collapse, but he's more likely motivated by the ongoing probes into Turkey's Halkbank. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Khamenei says no talks with current US administration Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran would not negotiate with the Trump administration. By Al-Monitor Staff
Tunisian entrepreneurs roll up sleeves after encouraging startup law Less bureaucracy and more subsidies get Tunisia’s young businessmen to reach out to unorthodox fields such as exporting edible flowers or mushrooms for pharmaceutical use. By Ahmed Nadhif
Netanyahu's strategy of silence Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went silent on social media during the recent conflict with Hamas, trying to keep from the public that he is engaged in negotiations with the terrorist organization. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Hezbollah's role evolving in Syria as Assad nears victory As the forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad move in on the last major rebel stronghold, speculation is turning to what the future might hold for Hezbollah in Syria. By Mona Alami
Iran readjusts its Syria strategy amid Russia’s changing role Having achieved military victory in the key southwestern region of Syria, Iran is actively maneuvering to redefine its approach to securing its aims in the war-torn country. By Hamidreza Azizi
Iran-Iraq tensions rise as Tehran demands war compensation Tensions between Baghdad and Tehran grow after Iraq's prime minister said his country would abide by US sanctions against Iran, while the latter demands compensation for damages in the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War. By Ali Mamouri
Can Gaza rebuild its arts haven damaged by Israeli bombing? The Arts and Crafts Village in Gaza City has provided a base for artists for nearly two decades, but after Israel's attack last month, the village needs help rebuilding. By Razan Alsa’afin
Did Trump’s double-speak ‘blow’ chances of Rouhani meeting? The Iranian and US presidents are slated to address the UN General Assembly on the same day next month — but the prospect of direct talks between the two leaders remains dim given the harsh rhetoric and contradictory stances of the US administration. By Susan Modaress
Survey suggests Palestinian radicalization driven by lack of hope A recent poll indicates a slight increase in support for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Fatah, mainly due to US policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but those numbers are countered by signs pointing to growing radicalization and lack of hope. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Is there hope for reforming Libya’s shattered economy? In an interview with Al-Monitor, Libyan Economy and Industry Minister Nasser al-Dersi talks about the Government of National Accord’s new economic reform program and the challenges it faces. By George Mikhail
Arab bloc could get out Palestinian vote in Jerusalem municipal elections Jerusalem's Ramadan Dabash is encouraging Palestinians to unite in an Arab voting bloc for the upcoming municipal election despite a fatwa against them participating. By Rasha Abou Jalal In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Idlib locals worry as regime offensive looms Syrian officials’ statements about the coming battle for Idlib are alarming the residents of the rebel-held province. By Mohammed al-Khatieb
Turkey’s Christians divided over 'freedom' declaration A declaration by non-Muslim spiritual leaders in support of Ankara has exposed in-house divisions in Christian communities. By Sibel Hurtas