Erdogan scores points in his foreign policy gamble Turkish President Erdogan scores major diplomatic points from the Khashoggi case to the quadrilateral summit in Istanbul. Saudi Arabia
Israeli intervention in Jerusalem provokes Coptic Christians A recent run-in shines a spotlight on age-old disputes between Christian denominations in the Middle East. Palestine
Reformists begin signaling support for Larijani as president Iran’s parliament speaker, while long a figure in the conservative camp, appears to be gaining Reformist backing for a potential presidential bid in 2021. Iran
To what extent can US aid help Iraq’s minorities? US financial aid to Iraqi religious minorities in the Ninevah Plains brings them hope and raises their expectations about the future of their homeland in northern Iraq. Iraq
Egypt to bridge 4% of budget deficit through elections Egypt’s National Elections Commission is set to impose a fine on Egyptians who did not take part in the March 2018 presidential elections. Egypt
Why Hamas wants to distance itself from recent rocket launch Although no Gaza faction claimed responsibility for the rocket that recently hit southern Israel, some Palestinians believe it was launched by Hamas or Islamic Jihad to deliver a message to Israel without getting Gaza dragged into a major confrontation. Palestine
New transparency law enters into force in Tunisia Tunisia's latest anti-corruption effort is an ambitious new law requiring powerful state figures and staff to declare their financial profits and interests. Tunisia
UN gives thumbs-up for Palestine to lead Group of 77 The UN General Assembly is granting Palestine additional membership rights during its one-year chairmanship of the Group of 77. Palestine
How Palestinian exports of $1 billion impact trade deficit Governmental and nongovernmental parties in Palestine are trying to support the export sector in a bid to reduce the trade deficit and dependency on the Israeli economy. Palestine
Analysis: Possible indictment pushes Netanyahu to attack rivals Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu knows that the police have finished their investigations in three cases involving him, which is why he is now attacking senior Likud member and potential rival Gideon Saar. Israel
Amid famine, anger at Khashoggi murder, will Saudis be pressed to end Yemen war? UN warnings of unprecedented famine in Yemen, combined with US disgust at Saudi Arabia’s killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, could spur Congress to pressure the Donald Trump administration to force an end to the Saudi-led war. Saudi Arabia
Congress calls out Pompeo over Egypt aid waiver Democratic senators warned Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that a recent US waiver to allow military aid to Egypt could be seen as an “endorsement” of human rights abuses. Egypt
Why Chinese public diplomacy is failing in Iran While political and economic engagement between Iran and China continues to increase, China’s image remains poor as it is hostage to factional disputes within Iran. Iran
Istanbul police interrogate Saudi Consulate staff The Turkish president has fallen quiet since a conversation with the Saudi crown prince, though the team investigating the alleged murder of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was blocked from searching a well at the consul general's residence. Saudi Arabia
