Iraqi artists, volunteers seek to restore morale in Mosul Singers, poets and volunteers try to revive pluralism in Mosul but old wounds, particularly between different religious groups, linger on. Iraq
Palestinian Museum revives solidarity posters with new workshop, exhibit The Palestinian Museum hosted a workshop for young artists interested in creating the "Palestinian posters" popular in recent decades, lending new life to the compelling images and deep symbolism of the art form. Palestine
Riyadh seeks death penalties in Khashoggi killing as US sanctions Saudis Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor has announced that he will seek the death penalty for five Saudi officials arrested in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Saudi Arabia
Turkey’s pro-Kurdish opposition struggles to be heard Two years after its leader was jailed, the Peoples' Democratic Party is still in parliament, but continues to face a crackdown that a European Parliament report included as a reason to halt EU membership talks with Turkey. Turkey
Will Israeli defense minister's exit impact Russia-Israel cooperation on Syria? The resignation of Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman has triggered discussion in Russian circles about whether the departure of a man deemed a staunch advocate for a "special relationship" with Moscow will affect Benjamin Netanyahu's cooperation with Vladimir Putin on Syria. Israel
Why Syrian Armenians are avoiding Turkey While most Syrian ethnic groups, including Kurds, Turkmens, and Syriac Christians, seek refuge in Turkey, Syrian Armenians do not. Syria
Who scored when Iran hand-selected women for historic soccer audience? For some Iranians, the visible female audience at a recent soccer match at Tehran's Azadi stadium was a meaningful win in a long war over allowing women to attend public soccer matches, but others are frustrated at what they consider a publicity stunt. Iran
Saudi Arabia faces mounting calls to end war in Yemen The recent killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi has cast a shadow over Saudi Arabia's standing with Western countries, which are now pressuring the kingdom to bring an end to the suffering in Yemen. Saudi Arabia
New Iraqi chief embraces Iran-backed PMU despite US efforts Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units is establishing its position and influence in the government of new Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi. Iraq
Egypt helps Tanzania develop new source of electricity After Egypt’s Arab Contractors was awarded the design and construction contract of the Stiegler's Gorge hydroelectric power station on the Rufiji River in Tanzania, experts and officials say such a decision could reduce tension among the Nile’s riparian states. Egypt
Can Tehran’s next mayor unite Iran’s Reformists? Tehran has elected its third mayor in 18 months and he has a challenging road ahead to unite a divided Reformist camp. Iran
The politics behind Iranian women's entry to Azadi stadium Iranian women were allowed into Tehran’s Azadi Stadium last week to watch a high-profile soccer match live. A lot of politics were at play to make that happen. Iran
How Hamas will stop future Israeli operations in Gaza As Palestinians and Israelis try to reveal the objective behind the recent Israeli operation inside the Gaza Strip, Hamas is stepping up its efforts to counter future incidents, even with a cease-fire in place. Palestine
Liberman's exit offers Netanyahu chance to build new coalition Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must seize the opportunity of Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman’s departure to form a new Gaza policy and a peace-seeking coalition. Palestine
South Israel rages at Netanyahu as Liberman bows out Residents of Israel's southern communities are furious with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to respond to Hamas' recent rocket fire with an operation in Gaza, and his defense minister's resignation has left him alone with the blame. Palestine
