Turks rediscover beloved Arabesque icon in new biopic A new film about the life of Muslum Gurses, the legendary singer whose career spanned decades of Turkey's tumultuous history, has opened to throngs of old and new fans. By Paul Benjamin Osterlund
Saudi Arabia ignores Trump administration on Yemen US officials have called for confidence-building measures leading up to peace talks for Yemen, but the Saudis don't seem to be listening. By Bruce Riedel
Middle East upheaval casts shadow over 'Arab NATO' A regional military exercise hosted by Egypt excludes Qatar in a blow to anti-Iran unity. By Jack Detsch
Is Bibi’s restraint on Gaza a sea change, or last act before war? Israeli prime minister, for now, claims “no interest” in toppling Hamas. By Week in Review
US to exempt eight nations from Iran sanctions snapback US sanctions on Iran's oil exports go into effect Nov. 5, though the United States has issued sanctions waivers for eight unidentified countries. By Laura Rozen
Khashoggi crisis boosts Iran but could complicate ties with Turkey While the outcry over the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi has weakened Saudi Arabia, Iran’s chief Arab rival, the prospect of Turkey emerging as a victor may complicate the regional landscape. By Makram Najmuddine
Still no charges for Turkey's top philanthropist after year behind bars Turkish philanthropist and businessman Osman Kavala has spent a year behind bars, but the judiciary has yet to explain why he's still in jail. By Kadri Gürsel
Intel: How Turkey sanctions relief risks leaving remaining US prisoners out to dry By Al-Monitor Staff
Egypt facilitates investment opportunities in Africa The Egyptian government plans to create an investment risk insurance fund to encourage Egyptians to invest more in the African continent and to help strengthen and deepen relations with African nations. By Salwa Samir In Giza, reporting on politics
Is the PLO serious about suspending its recognition of Israel? Questions arise as to whether the recent PLO’s Central Committee's decision to stop security coordination and suspend recognition of Israel will be implemented this time. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Egypt denies knowledge of Sisi critic's disappearance Another outspoken Egyptian has vanished after being convicted for peacefully stating his opinions. By Ahmed Youness
Iraq, Syria lay plans to reopen border Despite the ongoing threats from Islamic State militants along the Iraq-Syria border, the two countries are preparing to reopen important crossings. By Adnan Abu Zeed
PA, Turkey closer than ever The death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi seems to have strengthened Turkey's position in the regional competition with Saudi Arabia. By Adnan Abu Amer
Iraq working to make money, not burn it up in gas flares Iraq is making progress on its project to capture the potentially lucrative gas associated with oil extracted from its southern fields, which it has been burning off for decades. By Adnan Abu Zeed
Israel, Hamas should adopt ‘tacit bargaining’ Much like the tacit bargaining between Israel and Hezbollah following the IDF's 1996 Operation Grapes of Wrath, Israel must now negotiate with Hamas. By Yossi Beilin
Mossad chief, Israel’s secret diplomat to the Mideast Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dedicates much effort to building ties with Sunni states and has sent Mossad chief Yossi Cohen to various locales on secret missions. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense