Plans to replace Catholic school with mall appalls Iraqis Al-Aqeeda, a Catholic girls high school built in 1921, is at the center of a controversy highlighting preserving Iraq's cultural heritage. Iraq
'Lived here' initiative spotlights homes of Egypt's most famous residents In an effort to introduce Egypt's famous figures to the next generation, 100 signs now mark where celebrated Egyptians like Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz or diva Umm Kulthum once lived. Egypt
Russia-led regional payment network could blunt US sanctions on Iran Russia is reportedly expanding on previous talks with Iran to create a regional integrated payment network. Russia
Lebanon embraces Russia’s refugee initiative for Syria On his visit to Moscow, Lebanon's foreign minister expressed support for a Russian initiative on the return of Syrian refugees, but its implementation is easier said than done. Syria
Nationality law protesters alienate with Palestinian flag By raising the Palestinian flag at the rally against the controversial nationality law, a few Arab Israelis have distanced otherwise friendly Jews from their case for equal rights. Palestine
Abbas last obstacle against killing hope for peace For Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ objection to the arrangement with Hamas is the last obstacle against burying the two-state solution. Palestine
Iran-Iraq War continues to claim lives 30 years on The eight-year war between Iraq and Iran ended on Aug. 20, 1988, but its negative impacts linger on both sides. Iraq
Iranians ask government officials: #Where_is_your_kid? Public calls for Iranian officials to account for the lifestyles of their children bring focus to the issue of the lack of trust in the political establishment. Iran
Drive-by shooting targets US Embassy in Turkey This morning's shooting attack on the US Embassy in Ankara is the most serious manifestation of the wave of anti-American hysteria gripping Turkey since sanctions were announced. Turkey
Iran parliament report reveals 17 dual nationals in government An Iranian parliamentary report revealed that there are 17 dual nationals working in the government. Iran
Newspaper keeps Italian heritage in Tunisia alive Tunisia once hosted a significant Italian population, including the Finzi family, which founded Il Corriere di Tunisi, an Italian-language newspaper currently being kept afloat almost single-handedly by Silvia Finzi, an adamant defender of tolerance and multiculturalism. Tunisia
Israel-Hamas talks isolate Abbas Israel negotiates with Hamas, despite its ideology of destroying the Jewish state, while ignoring Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, its only security partner against terror. Qatar
After slaying, Arabs blame apathetic police in Israel Residents of an Arab town in Israel say they need better police protection after a local businessman was shot to death. Israel
New group forming to alleviate poverty in Palestinian territories As part of the Palestinian Authority's efforts to end poverty, the Islamic Development Bank has set up an investment fund allowing the new Palestinian People’s Economic Empowerment Institution to have its own budget. Palestine
How will Hamas react if Israel assassinates its leaders? Palestinian analysts believe that Hamas will retaliate with a full military escalation if Israel assassinates any of its leaders. Palestine
Israeli right exchanges barbs as contacts with Hamas progress The negotiations between Israel and Hamas are an important diplomatic step and sparking a fierce political debate among the Israeli right. Palestine
