Is this the start of Arab NATO plan? The Arab Nato plan promoted by US President Donald Trump to counter Iranian influence is being recurrently heard among the political quarters of the countries participating in the Arab Shield 1 drills in Egypt. By Albaraa Abdullah
Saudi royals rally support at home as pressure mounts Following intense pressure from Turkey and the United States over the war in Yemen and the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the Saudi king and crown prince are looking to rally support among their domestic base. By Bruce Riedel
Iran denies execution of 22 for Ahvaz attack Iranian officials have denied that those behind the attack on the Sept. 22 military parade in Ahvaz have been executed. By Al-Monitor Staff
Why Iran did not attend the Europe-Russia-Turkey summit on Syria While some have questioned Iran’s absence at the recent four-way summit on Syria between the leaders of France, Germany, Russia and Turkey, the reality is that Iran likely saw only negative outcomes stemming from its participation in the meeting at this time. By Hamidreza Azizi
Turkey turns up heat on Saudis, shares recording of Khashoggi murder The Turkish president discussed the Saudi journalist’s case with world leaders in Paris while Jamal Khashoggi’s friends gathered in Istanbul to honor his memory and demand justice. By Ayla Jean Yackley
Istanbul’s LGBTQ community finds pride on soccer field LGBTQ visibility has reached an all-time low in Turkey but Atletik Dildoa, an Istanbul-based LGBTQ soccer team, wants to increase it through sports events. By Danny Deza
Turkey’s first 'communist' grocery chain goes global Led by Turkey’s first and only communist mayor, the small town of Ovacik boasts a flourishing farming cooperative whose organic products have taken customers across the country by storm. By Mehmet Cetingulec
Israel mulls letting in Gazan workers if area stabilizes Despite very recent hostilities, Palestinians see a glimmer of hope in reports that a truce could allow Gazans to work inside Israel, even as conditions keep deteriorating in the besieged enclave. By Adnan Abu Amer
Can new PM make Iraq's grand plans a reality? Iraq's new prime minister is making the economy a priority, but some question whether he will be able to tackle longstanding roadblocks that threaten his plan's success. By Salam Zidane
Palestine's oldest olive tree symbol of cultural heritage Palestine's oldest olive tree symbolizes both the country's resilience and its culture. By Ahmad Melhem In Ramallah, reporting on politics
Humor helps Egyptians let off steam during potato crisis Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's comments about youth obesity and a potato shortage at a recent youth conference have unleashed a wave of sarcasm on social media, giving disaffected Egyptians an opportunity to vent their frustration with the rising cost of living. By Shahira Amin
Three changes that advance Trump’s Mideast peace plan Changes over the last few months in Israel, the United States and the Palestinian Authority make it all the more realistic for the Trump administration to submit its Palestinian-Israeli peace plan soon. By Yossi Beilin
Portraits of Lebanon’s domestic workers confront social prejudices Lebanese artist Chaza Charafeddine explores the dreams and discrimination of domestic workers by making them dress up as their heroes. By Sam Brennan
Egypt eliminates Muslim Brotherhood leaders' names from streets Many streets and squares in Egypt carry the names of Muslim Brotherhood leaders and members — but for not much longer. By Menna A. Farouk