Are Turkey’s Christians as 'fine' as they say? Amid a simmering crisis over a detained American pastor, Turkey’s non-Muslim minorities asserted they enjoy religious freedom in the country, but the declaration belies ongoing grievances and fears. Turkey
Cairo breathes sigh of relief as Saudi oil exports resume through Bab el-Mandeb Saudi Energy Minister Khalid Falih announced that his country resumed oil exports via the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, amid Egyptian fears that a decrease in traffic in the popular shipping corridor could impact Suez Canal revenues. Saudi Arabia
Syrian rebel groups help fighters earn high school diplomas The Levant Front, an affiliate of the Free Syrian Army, built an institute and is helping members whose educations were interrupted by the war start focusing on their futures by returning to school. Syria
Ankara plans road network to connect Syria with southern Turkey The Turkish government is working with local councils in Syria's Euphrates Shield area to build and improve a road network to connect the area's cities with southern Turkey. Syria
Hebron women turn to at-home businesses to boost self-sufficiency In light of Israeli restrictions on residents of the Old City of Hebron, local women have turned to small projects to strengthen their steadfastness and increase their independence. Palestine
Will new e-payment regulations boost Gaza's gig economy? The Palestine Monetary Authority introduced new regulations and licensing to secure and expand electronic payment services, a step that could allow more Gazans to receive remittances for work conducted online for foreign companies. Palestine
Mainstream Turkish media turn blind eye to country’s worst currency crisis Although Turkey is suffering one of the worst currency crises in its history, no single mainstream Turkish media outlet has covered the development. Turkey
UN reaches out to Ankara as Assad coils around Idlib The United Nations will reportedly ask Turkey to keep its borders open to millions more Syrian civilians fleeing an expected regime offensive on Idlib. Syria
Iranian media stunned by Iraqi PM's compliance with US sanctions Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's decision to cooperate with US sanctions has surprised a number of analysts and media in Iran. Iraq
Israeli bill aims to crack down on those hiring prostitutes Politicians from both right and left supported the bill of Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked to fine those who hire prostitutes. Israel
Addressing Jewish refugees' issue vital part of Mideast peace For years, the Arab world and Israeli politicians have ignored the pain and rights of Jews expelled from Arab countries out of neglect or worry that it would muddy the debate on Palestinian refugees. Palestine
Israel’s Nationality Law lays ground for West Bank annexation The recently adopted Nationality Law could indicate that the Netanyahu government is preparing to annex the West Bank. Palestine
Are Israel, Hamas en route to war or an agreement? Hamas' leadership seems unaware of or simply does not care that its actions to defend what it views as the honor of the movement threaten a pending cease-fire deal with Israel and make a full-blown humanitarian crisis in Gaza more likely. Palestine
Palestinian police patrol Hebron in rare sight for locals Israel recently allowed Palestinian security forces to deploy in Hebron's old town in a show of control and cooperation, but it has not committed to any ongoing coordination for future patrols. Palestine
Medieval Turkish village reinvents itself as tech hub In the mid-15th century, Sultan Mehmet II strategically dispatched 300 soldiers across the coast from Lesbos; today, the old Janissary village bids for technological, rather than military, power. Turkey
Syrian women face heat, harassment while picking Jordan's crops Many women who fled the war in Syria have found themselves working to survive with their entire families in Jordan's fields. Syria
