Turkey pins hopes on cleric Sadr to form Iraqi government As Turkey waits to see which Iraqi political coalition comes up with the parliamentary majority necessary to install a new government, Ankara is rooting for the bloc of cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, which it sees as most likely to minimize US and Iranian influence in the country. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
Does Egypt need museum to save film set props? After a fire destroyed many of the iconic props of Egyptian cinema, prop master Abbas Saber appeals to Cairo to help put what remains in a museum. By Ahmed Fouad
Israeli women can now command IAF squadrons, but are they equal? It was only in 2001 that a woman reached the pilot’s seat itself in the Israel air force, meaning it took less than two decades to leapfrog from that achievement to the position of squadron commander. By Debra Kamin
Chances fade for Israel-Hamas agreement An anticipated deal between Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Israel appears to be headed south, with Hamas leaders still waiting for a guarantee of economic assistance to Gaza. By Shlomi Eldar
Museum to showcase bewildering history of Palestinian money A new money museum in Ramallah will display all the 28 different currencies Palestine has used over the ages. By Entsar Abu Jahal
Attack on Rouhani exposes deep crack among Iranian conservatives Triggered by increasingly harsh attacks on President Hassan Rouhani, new divisions are emerging within the opposition conservative establishment. By Ehsan Bodaghi
Qatar crisis looms over Trump meeting with Kuwait emir In a quiet visit overshadowed by domestic US political turmoil, Kuwait’s emir visited the White House on Wednesday. By Jack Detsch
Israeli Arabs campaign in Europe against Nationality Law Israeli Arabs explain that since the Nationality Law endangers values of democracy and equality, they are turning to the European Union for help in their battle. By Akiva Eldar
Female Reformist MP raises eyebrows with fiery speech in Iranian parliament An Iranian Reformist lawmaker has proposed that referendums be held on disputed matters to save the country from the major crises it is facing. By Al-Monitor Staff
Erdogan's popularity plunges with lira Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s approval rating has reportedly tanked in line with the country's economy. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Surging inflation tightens circle around Turkish economy Having hit 18% in August, Turkey’s inflation is expected to continue rising in the coming months, coupled with the prospect of stagnation. By Mustafa Sonmez In Istanbul, reporting on economics
Anbar governor wants police boosted and military back on bases Local authorities in Iraq's western province of Anbar have demanded that international forces step in to guard the province's border with Syria, given the various competing forces on both sides. By Shelly Kittleson
Young cleric names and shames Iran's luxury-loving elite With 233,000 followers, a young cleric from Qom has become the voice of Iranians who resent the ruling class' lavish lifestyles while the rest of the country is in dire need. By Maysam Bizaer
Could Israeli-Palestinian confederation bring peace? The US negotiation team should examine the possibility of an Israeli-Palestinian confederation, with or without Jordan. By Yossi Beilin
Unemployment pushes Palestinians to work in Israel Many Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, where jobs are scarce and low-paying, enter Israel to find work, and those who are truly desperate end up building the very settlements they seek to end. By Rasha Abou Jalal In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict