Khashoggi murder: Storm clouds gather over Turkish-Saudi ties Whatever fate awaits Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Ankara’s already frosty relationship with Riyadh will continue to be clouded by this affair for the foreseeable future. Saudi Arabia
Will Airbnb settlement ban lead other online giants to follow suit? Palestinians are hoping other online giant companies will also boycott Israel and its settlement activities after Airbnb decided to remove its listings from Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Palestine
As new AU head, Egypt eyes greater African role in 2019 Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is preparing to take over leadership of the African Union for 2019 with an ambitious set of goals and programs. Egypt
Hamas, Israel in intelligence duel The botched Israeli undercover operation in the Gaza Strip could be disastrous for Israel’s methods of operation behind enemy lines. Palestine
How Saudi Arabia, Qatar are competing over Iraq As the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Qatar continues, each country seeks influence in Iraq in order to expand its economic and political power in the region. Saudi Arabia
Congress to make determination on F-35s for Turkey Defense officials have handed lawmakers a congressionally mandated report assessing the impact of Turkey’s removal from the F-35 program. Turkey
Gezi protests return to Turkish headlines after latest arrests Erdogan lashes out at opposition for questioning his take on who was behind the 2013 Gezi protests; various political parties discuss deals for March 2019 local elections. Turkey
Trump reignites Iranian rage with 'terrorist nation' diatribe Despite political differences, many Iranians are coming together to lash out at US President Donald Trump after he called Iran "a terrorist nation." Iran
Iranian pension funds on brink absent major reforms Iran’s main pension funds appear to be in dire need of prompt reform in order to survive without government bailouts. Iran
Did PA receive Saudi reward for its support? Saudi Arabia has resumed aid to the Palestinian Authority in a surprising move that raises questions about the kingdom’s motives behind the decision. Saudi Arabia
Egypt sends mixed messages on possible thaw with Qatar Though some officials in Cairo have stated the importance of a stable relationship with Qatar, so far there are no initiatives for reconciliation. Saudi Arabia
Can Egypt afford to defy Trump in support of Gaza? Egypt is walking a tightrope as it tries to balance its support for Palestinians with its common interests with Washington and its security and economic ties to Israel. Saudi Arabia
Former IDF head spooks Israel's entire political spectrum Culture Minister Miri Regev's attacks on former IDF chief of staff reflect wide and growing concerns that the popular Benny Gantz will shake up the political system. Israel
How Netanyahu outdid his rivals, again Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the expert in exploiting security threats for political means, which is what he did in his speech after the resignation of Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman. Palestine
Airbnb battle threatens Israeli tourism industry Tourism Minister Yariv Levin is willing to sacrifice Israel's tourism industry for the sake of his pro-settlement ideology and the fight against the boycott movement. Palestine
