Why Iran isn't concerned over US plans for 'Arab NATO' Contrary to what some may have expected, Iran does not appear concerned about US efforts to set up an "Arab NATO" — and for good reasons. By Hassan Ahmadian
Talk of referendum on Trump meeting goes viral in Iran The idea of holding referendums in Iran is generating lots of posts on social media, especially a vote on President Hassan Rouhani possibly meeting with Donald Trump, a topic on which the print media is largely steering clear. By Al-Monitor Staff
Ex-army chief rises swiftly in Turkish civilian politics Hulusi Akar, Turkey’s new defense minister, could play a balancing role in the new regime of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. By Metin Gurcan
US game plan on Iran written in Tel Aviv, claim Israeli insiders Israeli sources claim that the actions taken by the Donald Trump administration against the Iranian regime all originate in Tel Aviv. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Egypt comes to rescue as Israel cuts off Gaza gas When Israel cut Gaza's fuel supply, Egypt stepped up to keep the Strip running, though shortages are still overwhelming. By Ahmed el-Komi
Mideast migrants face increased discrimination in Italy New Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini is taking steps to stop illegal migration to Italy, but critics say his methods are fueling racism against Middle Eastern foreigners. By Justin Salhani (Libya)
Arab Israelis split over campaign against Nationality Law Following a three-week delay, the Arab-Israeli leadership this week joined the protest against the Nationality Law, appealing to the Supreme Court to overturn it and organizing a large demonstration. By Shlomi Eldar
Turkey steps up efforts to shun dollar As the Turkish lira plunges to a record low, some voices in Ankara are warning that the United States is furious over Turkey’s efforts to reduce its dependency on the dollar. By Mehmet Cetingulec
Why Trump's plan to shut UNRWA is not the solution Instead of cutting US funds for the UNRWA or allocating them to states, the Trump administration should encourage phasing out the agency while implementing a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian refugee issue. By Yossi Beilin
Russia eyes refugee return as centerpiece of next policy move in Syria Moscow claims it's making progress in talks with Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey over the return of Syrian refugees; yet getting international organizations and the United States to cooperate on the refugee return and the reconstruction of Syria proves more challenging. By Maxim A. Suchkov
Tiny fish powers Gaza bodybuilders After a bodybuilder in Gaza City started searching for an affordable protein-rich diet, he found the answer in UNRWA's standard food aid packages. By Fadi Shafei
Brunson affair taking economic toll on Turkey A Turkish delegation has been dispatched to Washington to try to resolve the crisis swirling around the detention of American pastor Andrew Brunson in Izmir. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iran’s president goes on TV to offer hope as US reimposes sanctions In a televised interview, Iran’s president tried to renew hope among Iranians as US sanctions were reimposed on the country’s troubled economy. By Al-Monitor Staff
As Iraq wraps up election recount, is a new government in sight? In the midst of intensive negotiations by the winning parties in the elections to form a new government, the Independent High Electoral Commission has completed the process of manual counting, without expecting a significant change in the results. By Ali Mamouri
Despite its tough rhetoric, Turkey seeks way out of pastor impasse President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says there is no problem with Washington that can’t be solved by focusing on the strategic partnership. By Semih Idiz