Ankara seeking Russian permission for use of Syrian airspace Ankara’s primary lesson learned from its two operations in northern Syria is not to enter Syria without air superiority. Syria
Is Egypt's judiciary going soft on NGOs? The acquittal verdict of 43 nongovernmental organization workers and the launch of community dialogues on amending a law curbing NGOs pave the way for a new chapter between the regime and NGOs in Egypt. Egypt
The Israeli ultra-Orthodox paradox: earning little, feeling rich The ultra-Orthodox population in Israel is considered poor by economic measurements, but its members do not feel poor in part due to their consumption habits and solidarity networks. Israel
Hamas-Fatah bitter split plays out in West Bank universities Tempers flare as the Palestinian Authority pursues Hamas-affiliated university students on campuses. Palestine
Gaza’s public servants outraged at Hamas’ recent spending Recent documents were leaked to the media showing that Hamas spent more than $550,000 for the celebrations of its anniversary, which raised the ire of Gaza government employees who have not received their full salaries since 2013. Palestine
"We’re here, we exist": Sidon’s poets break new ground Musicians and poets are challenging social norms in Sidon, Lebanon’s conservative third-largest city. Lebanon
Putin’s next act: Syrian-Turkish rapprochement The Russian president still needs the United States to keep the pace, and the peace, in Syria. United Arab Emirates
Iraq's grand Sunni mufti forbids participation in New Year's celebrations Clerics who issued fatwas against participation in New Year's celebrations come up against a wave of criticism. Iraq
Russia, Turkey content with talks on Syria but fate of YPG still unclear Russian and Turkish officials meet in Moscow following President Trump's decision to withdraw US forces from Syria, but make no public mention of what will happen in Manbij. Syria
Iran drought turns political as lawmakers fight over water share The acute drought that Iran is going through has started to show its political face as lawmakers from crisis-hit areas protest the "unjust" distribution of the already shrinking water resources. Iran
Turkey tests waters before next operation in Syria Ankara will face numerous political and security risks if it moves too hastily in its pursuit of the YPG in Syria. Iraq
UN seeks to raise awareness of bias against African-Iraqis Iraqis of African descent seem to be making progress, albeit slowly, against discrimination, with the UN's help. Iraq
Ankara provokes Iraqi government with plans against PKK Turkish airstrikes against pro-PKK groups in Iraq's Kurdistan put the Iraqi government in a difficult situation, as it cannot eject Kurdish militias or stop Turkish intervention. Iraq
Gaza traders face new taxes, import restrictions In a bid to protect national products, Hamas’ Ministry of National Economy in Gaza imposed new taxes on imported goods and banned traders from importing any goods without its consent. Palestine
Financial crisis threatens to silence Hamas broadcasts Hamas-affiliated channel Al-Aqsa TV fears financial woes could force it to stop broadcasting for the first time since 2006. Originals
