Turkey raises stakes in Syria with shelling of Kurdish targets The Turkish military has fired on Syrian Kurdish positions east of the Euphrates River for the first time in a move that could heighten tensions with the United States. Syria
Kurdish film festival screens, then withdraws, Israeli movie Israeli filmmakers were surprised to learn that their film had been selected to be shown at the Duhok International Film Festival, only to be notified later that it was removed from the competition after being screened. Iraq
Video: Egypt's alabaster industry shattered Among the casualties of Egypt's declining tourism are the alabaster sculptures that remain unsold on the shelves. Egypt
Iranian grand ayatollah faces threats for meeting with Reformists Iran’s seminary and social media have been stunned by a letter threatening a grand ayatollah over his personal meetings. Iran
Iran turns to tourism to earn hard currency, create jobs From developing infrastructure to expanding marine tourism and easing visa issuances, Iran is increasingly focusing on its underdeveloped tourism sector as US sanctions are reimposed. Iran
Syrian businessmen succeed in Turkey Syrian businessmen continue to partner with Turks in Turkish enterprises, even though such Turkish sponsorship is no longer required by law. Syria
How did Egypt benefit from Cairo Water Week? The Egyptian government promoted through Cairo Water Week its concerns over water-related issues to international parties that attended this first-of-its kind event for Egypt. Egypt
Iraqi prime minister faces pressure in forming his Cabinet Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi faces many obstacles from the parliamentary blocs in appointing his new Cabinet members. Iraq
Palestinian journalists demand justice for slain colleague Khashoggi Although the Palestinian Authority (PA) backs Saudi Arabia in the Jamal Khashoggi affair, reflecting the PA's concern with political relations and a desire for material support, journalists and intellectuals are calling for those responsible to be held accountable. Saudi Arabia
Netanyahu protects Supreme Court’s power, for now Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports weakening the broad interpretive authority the Supreme Court applies, but he does not seek a full-on clash with the judicial system while he himself is under police investigation. Israel
Israel's ultra-Orthodox parties divided as municipal elections approach Numerous ultra-Orthodox candidates in the upcoming municipal elections reflect the growing splits within and among Israel's ultra-Orthodox parties, divisions that threaten to siphon the sector's political power. Israel
Egypt eyes moneymaking potential of e-waste Egypt is one of Africa's biggest generators of e-waste, but the growing pollution problem also offers economic opportunities. Egypt
What's behind Russia’s 'wait and see' approach on Khashoggi killing? Russia has been keeping a rather low profile on the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, but this stance is driven by profound considerations of Moscow's own role in the Middle East Saudi Arabia
US mosque strikes point to looser targeting rules in fight against Islamic State A spate of airstrikes against mosques in Syria hints at the American military accepting fewer restrictions on battlefield targeting, with higher risks for civilians. Syria
Will US sanctions sway Iran to enter oil deal with Russia? Iranians in general do not trust Russia, but their government may be looking into various oil deals with Moscow to work around US sanctions. Russia
Hariri turns witness for MBS defense Crowd laughs at Saudi crown prince’s joke about Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s captivity; Can Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hold the moral high ground in Jamal Khashoggi case? Saudi Arabia
