The woman who defeated ultra-Orthodox politics The impressive victory of Aliza Bloch in the Beit Shemesh municipal election created new agendas and threatened the political and religious leadership of the ultra-Orthodox community. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Hamas claims victory on arrangement with Israel Israel and Hamas have agreed to a modest arrangement involving nonviolent demonstrations along the fence while the Gaza siege is temporarily eased. By Shlomi Eldar
Beirut's lively graffiti scene paints political commentary in broad strokes A new book explores how graffiti artists in Beirut skirt limitations on expression to share political criticism in the streets. By Sam Brennan
Gaza University launches drama course, but few enroll Riyad Saidam, an actor and playwright, has just launched a drama school in the Gaza Strip, a dream he has had since the mid-1980s. By Huda Baroud
Turkish prosecutor shares grisly details of Khashoggi killing Turkey is pressing on with its campaign to force the kingdom to admit its culpability in the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. By Ayla Jean Yackley
Is the Turkish-German spring illusive? Turkey and Germany are demonstrating willingness to set aside political rows and focus on economic ties, but the thaw in the relationship guarantees neither the investments Turkey expects nor the solution of accumulated problems. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
Who’s to blame for deaths in Jordan flood? Jordanians held the government responsible for the Dead Sea incident that claimed the lives of 21 people, including 15 children. By Osama Al Sharif
Gaza, Israel: They call this a truce While Egypt continues to mediate a truce between the Gaza Strip and Israel, both sides continue their attacks, considering each assault "retaliation" for the other side's volley. By Hana Salah
Hamas, Palestinian Authority deny charges in HRW report A recent report by Human Rights Watch accuses authorities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip of arbitrary arrests and torture — charges that both sides reject. By Ahmad Melhem In Ramallah, reporting on politics
Iranians hail Houthi 'resistance' for bringing potential end to Yemen war A US call for a cease-fire in Yemen has been widely interpreted in Iran as a victory for the Houthi movement. By Al-Monitor Staff
Rouhani sticks to same old insiders in disappointing cabinet reshuffle President Hassan Rouhani’s choices to lead four key ministries emerged from a faulty process that must be replaced with a merit-based system that brings in fresher and younger faces. By Maziar Motamedi
Four insights on municipal elections in Israel Municipal elections in Israel reflect more and more the public’s mood and political inclinations ahead of the general elections. By Akiva Eldar
Egypt seizes 'fake news' book by economist critical of Sisi Egypt has released economic researcher Abdel Khalek Farouk but is investigating his new book, which says the country's economic crisis can be blamed at least in part on corruption and mismanagement of funds. By Ahmed Youness
Jerusalem artist offers amulets for modern evils Eitam Tubul’s light-hearted art project proposes amulets for modern misfortunes such as hangovers, awkward silences or email hacking. By Ilan Ben Zion