Will Iraqi provincial councils be abolished? Amid calls for abolishing provincial councils in Iraq, provincial elections have been delayed for the second time. Iraq
Millions of Palestinians no longer eligible for Saudi visas A Saudi decision to deny visas to people holding temporary passports but without national identification numbers means that millions of Palestinian Muslims in Israel, Jordan and Lebanon will not be able to perform religious rites at Islamic holy sites in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia
Liberman's resignation adds to Israel's instability Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are pleased that Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman has stepped down, but the full repercussions of his resignation have yet to be seen. Palestine
Is Russia full-on supporting Hamas? The Russian ambassador to Israel refused to label Hamas as a terrorist organization, calling on Israel to deal with the group to reach a political solution. Palestine
Can startups help solve Middle East water crisis? Young entrepreneurs are coming up with new projects and systems in a bid to cater to the water needs of the populations in the Middle East, where water scarcity could become a problem in the coming decades. Near East
Ecotourism coming to Egypt's Western Desert The Egyptian government has launched an initiative to restore the ancient village of Shali, in the middle of the Sawi oasis, and promote it through ecotourism. Egypt
Qatari funds give boost to Gaza return marches A recently delivered cash infusion from Qatar to the Gaza Strip boosted the morale of many Palestinians, and some experts predict the weekly protest marches there will continue — but peacefully, as long as Israel negotiates in good faith. Qatar
Is Israel heading toward snap elections? The Israeli political system starts preparing for early elections, creating blocs and alliances on the center-left and the right. Israel
Can Israeli Druze bring about cancellation of Nationality Law? Spurred by Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman’s resignation and the realization that elections will likely be moved to early 2019, the leaders of the Druze community are determined to fight against the Nationality Law. Israel
Outrage in Iran over reassignment of 'corrupt' minister The Iranian Parliament’s quick confirmation of Mohammad Shariatmadari as labor minister has sparked an outcry on social media, as lawmakers were very recently moving to impeach him as minister of industry. Iran
Ethiopian Jewish leaders make gains in Israel The government has accepted recommendations that the spiritual and religious leaders of the Ethiopian Jewish community be permitted to perform holiday ceremonies and burial and purity rites, but stopped short of granting the authority to officiate weddings. Israel
Bahrain ducks congressional scrutiny over Yemen war Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., had hoped to send a message to the Saudi coalition in Yemen by holding an arms sale to Bahrain hostage. It didn’t work. Saudi Arabia
Iranian actors take center stage against US sanctions Iranian artists, particularly those in the film industry, have launched two separate campaigns against the US sanctions, saying the measures will hit the vulnerable and sick. Iran
