Hamas visits Gaza schools to promote hijab Hamas' Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs has embarked on an ambitious project that sends female lecturers to all the universities and girls' schools across the Gaza Strip and persuade girls and young women to wear the hijab. Palestine
Israeli residents near Gaza abandoned by the government Israeli residents near Gaza are paying the price for the government’s lack of an effective policy on rocket fire from the Strip. Palestine
Will new Iraqi government resolve Baghdad-KRG issues? The peaceful formation of a new government in Iraq has raised hopes that the outstanding issues between Baghdad and Erbil might be resolved, but a number of obstacles stand in the way of it actually happening despite amicable relations among the countries leaders. Iraq
Democratic newcomers challenge pro-Israel status quo Three Democratic candidates willing to challenge the bipartisan orthodoxy on Israel are likely to win seats in Congress next year. Palestine
Intel: Why Turkey refuses to share Khashoggi evidence with Saudis Turkey holds evidence back from Saudi investigators as it tries to get Riyadh to extradite suspects and reveal the location of Khashoggi's body. Saudi Arabia
Hamas political, military leaderships disagree on Israel arrangement Hamas political and military branches disagree on whether the group should pursue an Egypt-mediated arrangement with Israel, or keep up the violent demonstrations near the border fence. Palestine
Why Iraqi Turkmens are excluded from the new government Iraqi Turkmens say they have been excluded from the new Iraqi government because they refuse to follow a sectarian approach to politics. Iraq
Erdogan inaugurates Istanbul’s new airport as 'monument to victory' The airport is set to eventually become the world’s biggest, making Turkey a global transportation hub, but critics lament the environmental and economic costs as well as the plight of the laborers who built it. Turkey
Woman's daring face-off with police van reignites Iran hijab debate Footage of a police van almost running over a woman has gone viral as Iranians speak out in in support of hijab protesters and against the controversial morality police. Iran
Iraqi border city eyes IS advance amid dust storms Iraqi security forces on Iraq's border with Syria have been placed on a higher level of alert amid an Islamic State advance on the Syrian side of the border. Iraq
Israel to improve bank transactions for its Palestinian workers The governor of the Palestinian Monetary Authority, Azzam al-Shawa, announced an agreement with the Bank of Israel on a new mechanism creating an Israeli government body to handle Palestinian bank transactions. Palestine
Rouhani finally engages with Reformists, but some see too little, too late While Rouhani’s long overdue meeting with Reformists is a step toward cooperation, they're right to be wary of his friendly gesture. Iran
Turkey, Russia seek European input on Syria settlement The heads of four nations gathered in Istanbul last week, all seeking to promote their countries' own national interests in Syria. But it's unclear if they'll eventually be able to negotiate a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis that Damascus will accept. Syria
Manial Palace poised to open full collection Manial Palace, built by Prince Tewfik on an island in the Nile, houses an eclectic collection of furniture and other decorative arts. Egypt
Israeli artists campaign against 'Loyalty in Culture' law Stars of the Israeli entertainment industry prefer not to confront powerful Culture Minister Miri Regev on the "Loyalty in Culture" law, designed to defund cultural institutions "undermining the state’s values and symbols." Israel
